Maria Christina of Austria
1879 - 1885
Daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand (1818-1874) and Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria (1831-1903), Maria Christina of Austria was well educated. By the age of twelve she had mastered several languages, was an accomplished pianist, and had extensive knowledge of political science and economics. Her marriage to Alfonso XII (1857-1885) was arranged by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, president of the Council of Ministers. The King and Queen were wedded at the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid on 29th November 1879. Although Alfonso XII and Maria Christina of Austria were married for a short time, two daughters were born to them within two years: María de las Mercedes (1880-1904), Princess of Asturias and also Princess of the Two Sicilies, by marriage to her cousin Carlos of t...
