Monarchs

1679 - 1689

The first-born daughter of Philippe of France, Duke of Orléans (1640-1701), brother of Louis XIV of France (1638-1715), and Henrietta Anne of England (1644-1670), Marie Louise d'Orléans received a careful education in horse riding, playing musical instruments such as the harpsichord, singing and dancing with ease, and holding conversations typical of the most select courtly circles.  Her marriage to Charles II (1661-1700) was celebrated in the village of Quintanapalla in Burgos on 18th November 1679, within the context of the signing of the Treaties of Nijmegen between France and the Hispanic Monarchy. The new Queen made her official entry into Madrid on 13th January 1680. Numerous public festivities such as bullfights and comedies were held in her honour, in additi...

1870 - 1873

The eldest daughter of Carlo Emanuele dal Pozzo (1787-1864), Prince of Cisterna, and Countess Louise de Mérode-Westerloo (1819-1868), Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo spent her early childhood in Paris. She settled in Turin with her parents and sister in 1852, and as a young girl, learned to speak several languages correctly, including Spanish. She was also interested in subjects such as literature, algebra, economics and international law.  After the death of her father and sister in 1864, Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo became the heir to the family estate. Three years later, on 30th May 1867, her marriage to Prince Amadeo of Savoy (1845-1890), Duke of Aosta and son of Victor Emmanuel II (1820-1878), the first King of Italy, was celebrated in Turin. The couple had three children: Emanuele ......