John and Jenny Fulton

Real International Princesses: Portuguese Princess Catherine

By Jenny Fulton

Introduction

My book, An International Princess Alphabet Primer, features princesses from countries and cultures around the world. Each character is named after a real person. These are their stories.

Because the alphabet book was written for young kids, the biographies I’m sharing are short, child-friendly, often rose-tinted summaries.

Portuguese Princess Catherine

Portuguese Princess Catherine is named for Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese Queen of England who introduced tea and forks to England.

Catherine was born in Portugal on November 25, 1638. She had three older siblings and three younger ones. When she was born, Portugal belonged to Spain. So, rather than being a king, her dad was known as the Duke of Braganza. Two years later, in 1640, Portugal went to war with Spain to fight for their independence (called The War of Acclamation or Restoration). The Portuguese decided to make Catherine’s dad their king. This, of course, meant that Catherine became a princess. When she was old enough to go to school, Catherine’s mom, Queen Luisa, sent her to live and attend school at a convent. The young princess soon learned to trust and follow God.

Portugal’s war for independence lasted a very long time (1640-1668). In 1653, when Catherine was 15, her older brothers and sister died. She became known as Princesa da Beira. Her dad died three years later, and her Spanish-born mom took on the complete rulership of the country until Catherine’s younger brother was old enough to be crowned king.

Although Catherine was only eight years old when her parents started talking about which prince she should marry, they hadn’t chosen one. After Catherine’s dad died, her mom decided it was time to pick a husband for the princess. Their country needed help to win the war. Catherine’s marriage could save them.

Queen Luisa made a deal with Charles II, the new king of England, Scotland, and Ireland. If King Charles II married Catherine, Queen Luisa would give him money and access to important trade routes. In return, England would help Portugal win their war against Spain.

The king agreed. On May 22, 1662, King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza were married. It’s said that Charles immediately liked his new bride. Catherine liked him, too.

In her years as queen, Catherine liked playing cards, dancing, archery, being outside in the country, going on picnics, and fishing. She missed having her afternoon tea and her favorite treat – marmalade. On one of her visits home, she brought them back with her and taught the English how to make them. Before long, all the rich and important people in the country were enjoying afternoon tea and marmalade. Catherine also introduced them to forks. Before this, they only used a knife and spoon to eat their food.  

Catherine remembered her early years in the convent. People noticed she spent a lot of time praying. Her faith helped her through hard times. One of those hard times was the fact that she couldn’t have children. Charles and Catherine cared for and supported each other throughout all their difficulties. Catherine’s faith had a huge impact on her husband and all who knew her.

Other Princess Bios

Works Cited

25 comments

Leave a reply to Real International Princesses: Scottish Princess Matilda – Heart Soul Mind Cancel reply