Marie Caroline of Austria

Archduchess Marie Caroline of Austria (13 August, 1752 - 8 September, 1814) as Queen Marie Caroline was queen consort and de facto ruler of Naples from 1768 to 1799 and from 1799 to 1806, and of Sicily from 1768 until her death in 1814, though she had lost the de facto power in 1812. She was born an Austria princess and was a sister of Marie Antoinette.

Early life and marriage

Her Majesty Queen Marie Caroline Luise Josephe Johanna Antonie of Naples and Sicily, Princess Imperial and Archduchess of Austria, Princess Royal of Hungary and Bohemia, Princess of Tuscany was born in 1752, the daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria and Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Related Topics:
1752 - Maria Theresa of Austria - Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

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On 12 May, 1768, she married the young Ferdinand IV of Naples who was also Ferdinand III of Sicily. Ferdinand was not very intelligent, and Marie Caroline took advantage of that to control him, and she became the true ruler of the kingdom. On 14 August, 1777, when she gave birth to a male heir, Francis, she became a Counsellor of State, and she took advantage of this position of political influence. She inherited much of her mother's intelligence, but was also ambitious and cruel, wanting to raise the kingdom to a position of power. Marie Caroline eventually established a tyrannical reign through her husband's power.

Related Topics:
12 May - 1768 - Ferdinand IV of Naples - 14 August - 1777 - Francis

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