The Death of Dom Pedro and Maria…

The Death of Dom Pedro and Maria II’s Brief Marriage to Auguste de Beauharnais (1834–1835)

Following the end of the Liberal Wars (1828–1834), Dom Pedro IV (formerly Pedro I of Brazil) restored the Constitutional Charter, securing Portugal’s future as a constitutional monarchy. However, his victory was short-lived, as he died of tuberculosis on September 24, 1834, at the age of 35. His daughter, Maria II, resumed her interrupted reign, ruling in her own right after years of conflict.

Maria II Seeks a Husband – Betrothal to Auguste de Beauharnais

• With Dom Miguel exiled and Maria II firmly on the throne, the issue of marriage became a priority, as she needed a strong and politically acceptable consort.
• She negated her betrothal to Miguel, given his usurpation of the throne and absolutist views.
• After considering various suitors, she settled on Auguste de Beauharnais, 2nd Duke of Leuchtenberg, the eldest son of Eugène de Beauharnais (Napoleon’s stepson) and Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria.

The Marriage by Proxy (December 1, 1834)

• Maria II and Auguste were married by proxy in Munich on December 1, 1834.
• At the time of their marriage:
  • Maria II was only 15 years old.
  • Auguste was nearly 24.
• On the day of their marriage, Auguste was granted the title of Duke of Santa Cruz.

Marriage in Lisbon and Auguste’s Sudden Death (January–March 1835)

• Auguste arrived in Portugal shortly after the proxy wedding and was formally married to Maria II in Lisbon on January 26, 1835.
• With this marriage, he officially became the Prince Consort of Portugal.
• However, tragedy struck—just two months later, Auguste fell gravely ill and died in March 1835.

Conclusion – A Short-Lived Union and Continued Political Instability

• The early death of Auguste left Maria II a widow at 16, complicating Portugal’s dynastic politics.
• She would soon need to find another husband, ensuring the stability of the Braganza dynasty.
• The young queen’s personal life remained intertwined with the political struggles of post-civil war Portugal, as royal marriages were crucial to securing alliances and legitimizing her reign.

Maria II’s brief marriage to Auguste de Beauharnais was another chapter in Portugal’s turbulent political history, and her next marriage would again be a matter of political and dynastic importance.