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Descendants of John VI of Portugal
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The descendants of John VI of Portugal, from the main branch of the House of Braganza, are found in several royal families in Europe and Brazil. Through his second son, Miguel I, his descendants have become rulers in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, while others have been claimants to the thrones of Portugal, Austria-Hungary, and the former Duchy of Parma. Constitutional amendments regarding succession caused disputes following John VI's death.[1]
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John was born on 13 May 1767 in Lisbon, the second son of Maria I and Pedro III. On 8 May 1785, John married Carlota Joaquina of Spain. They remained married until his death, producing nine children during their union.[citation needed]
Throne of Portugal
John VI became heir to the Portuguese throne in 1788 after his brother, José, Prince of Brazil, died of smallpox.
In 1799, John VI became prince regent for his mother, Maria I. Spain and France soon declared war and invaded Portugal under Napoleon Bonaparte, initiating the War of the Oranges. Although peace was attained, the Portuguese Empire suffered territorial losses.[2]
Court in Rio de Janeiro
In 1807, the French Army invaded Portugal during the War of the Fourth Coalition. To avoid conflict, John VI relocated the Portuguese court and capital to colonial Brazil. John VI then elevated Brazil to the status of a kingdom to form the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.
In Rio de Janeiro, John VI established his court. He was acclaimed king of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves when Maria I died in 1816. By this time, Napoleon had been defeated, and the European courts demanded the return of the Portuguese court to Europe. John VI returned the court to Europe, leaving his son Pedro, later Pedro I of Brazil, as regent. Refusing to return to Europe, Pedro later declared the independence of Brazil.
Division of House of Braganza
John VI's death in 1826 triggered a succession crisis over the Portuguese throne, with succession disputed among John's eldest sons and his granddaughter. This resulted in a split of the House of Braganza into three branches: the Portuguese House of Braganza, the Brazilian House of Braganza, and the Miguelist House of Braganza.
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Descendants
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Maria Teresa of Braganza, Princess of Beira
Francisco António of Braganza, Prince of Beira
Maria Isabel of Braganza
Pedro I & IV
As Pedro IV of Portugal (senior branch)
As Pedro I of Brazil (junior branch)
Maria Francisca of Braganza
Isabel Maria of Braganza
Miguel I of Portugal
Maria da Assunção of Braganza
Ana de Jesus Maria of Braganza
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