Catherine of Braganza

Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705), daughter of John IV of Portugal and wife of Charles II of England. Catherine's marriage to Charles had been planned before the English Civil War, but it was only concluded in 1662, after the Restoration. The union allied the two powers and brought England new territories, trading privileges, and 2 million Portuguese Crowns; in return, England guaranteed Portugal military and naval support.

Although Charles had many mistresses, Catherine gradually settled in at court. Her Catholic faith was permitted, but it led to her being accused of trying to poison the king and being charged with high treason. Charles protected her from standing trial. He also refused his government's attempts to arrange a divorce when it became clear that she could bear no children. However, once Charles's reign entered a more happy and prosperous phase she was left alone. When he died in 1685 she mourned him greatly, and retired to live at Somerset House and at her private convent.

Catherine remained on the sidelines of power, testifying to have witnessed the questioned birth of James II's only son, the Prince of Wales, to Mary of Modena in 1688, and living happily under William and Mary, until she was accused of sheltering anti-government Catholic plotters. She returned to Portugal, where her brother was on the throne, ruling very successfully as his regent during a period of illness, and continued to support good relations between Portugal and England.