Regency period (1831 – 1840)
| Dates (approx.) | Form of Regency | Regent(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Sept 1831 – 19 Oct 1831 | Provisional Triumvirate | – Francisco de Lima e Silva (viscount of Marlborough) – José da Silva Madeira – João Bráulio de Couto |
Established immediately after Emperor Pedro I’s abdication to maintain continuity pending the election of a permanent regency. |
| 19 Oct 1831 – 12 Oct 1835 | Permanent Triumvirate | – Francisco de Lima e Silva (Viscount of Marlborough) – José da Silva Madeira – Diogo Antônio Feijó (later became sole regent) |
The first stable governing body of the Regency era; its members were appointed by the National Assembly. |
| 12 Oct 1835 – 23 Jul 1840 | Single Regent | Pedro de Araújo Lima, Marquis of Olinda | The triumvirate was dissolved in favor of a single regent to streamline decision‑making during the later years of the minority of Emperor Pedro II. |
Regents during the reign of Emperor Pedro II (post‑minority)
| Dates | Regent | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Mar 1871 – 2 Jun 1871 | Princess Isabel (Princess Imperial) | First regency, called while Emperor Pedro II was traveling abroad (Europe). |
| 6 Jun 1871 – 5 Oct 1872 | Princess Isabel (acting as regent) | Continued the regency during the Emperor’s prolonged absence. |
| 12 May 1875 – 6 Oct 1875 | Princess Isabel | Second short regency while Pedro II attended the International Telephonic Exhibition in Paris. |
| 23 Oct 1875 – 30 Sep 1877 | Princess Isabel (full regency) | Extended period of regency; she exercised sovereign powers, notably issuing the Golden Law (Lei Áurea) to abolish slavery (1888). |
| 30 Nov 1887 – 15 Nov 1888 | Princess Isabel | Final regency; during this term she signed the Lei Áurea on 13 May 1888, fully abolishing slavery in Brazil. |
Notes
- The regency (1831‑1840) occurred because Emperor Pedro II was only five years old at the time of his father’s abdication. The regency ended when Pedro II was declared of age on 23 July 1840.
- Princess Isabel acted as regent on several occasions when Emperor Pedro II was abroad or otherwise unable to perform his duties. Her regencies are formally recorded as part of Brazil’s imperial history.
- After the proclamation of the Republic on 15 Nov 1889, the monarchical institution—including any regency—was abolished. No further regents were appointed.
