Princess Maria Carolina of the Two Sicilies (born 1820)
Princess Maria Carolina Ferdinanda Luisa of the Two Sicilies (5 January 1820 – 24 December 1861) was a Bourbon princess, the daughter of Francis I of the Two Sicilies and his wife Maria Isabella of Spain. She was a member of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.
Early Life and Family
Maria Carolina was born in Palermo, Sicily. She was the sixth child and fourth daughter of King Francis I and Queen Maria Isabella. Her upbringing was within the confines of the Neapolitan royal court, characterized by a strict adherence to tradition and the rigid social hierarchy of the time. She had several siblings, many of whom also married into European royalty.
Marriage and Issue
On 12 April 1839, Maria Carolina married her cousin, Prince Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies. The marriage was politically significant, strengthening the ties within the Bourbon family. The union produced eight children:
- Francis II of the Two Sicilies
- Luigi of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Trani
- Alberto of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Caserta
- Anna of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
- Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Caserta
- Maria Annunziata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
- Gaetano of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Girgenti
- Maria Immaculata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
Later Life and Death
Princess Maria Carolina's later life largely revolved around her family and her role as a Bourbon princess. While her husband held significant political power, the extent of her direct involvement in political affairs is not well documented. She died in Naples at the age of 41. The cause of her death is not explicitly detailed in readily available historical sources.
Legacy
Maria Carolina's legacy primarily lies in her role as a significant figure within the Bourbon family and as the mother of Francis II, the last King of the Two Sicilies. Her life offers a glimpse into the lives of European royalty during the 19th century, marked by political maneuvering, dynastic marriages, and the dramatic upheavals of the era. Further research may reveal more detailed information about her personal life and contributions beyond her familial role.