Maria Sophia of Neuburg

Maria Sophia Elisabeth was born on 6 August 1666 at the Schloss Benrath, outside Düsseldorf. She was daughter of Philip William, Count Palatine of Neuburg, and Elisabeth Amalie of Hesse-Darmstadt.

In 1685, Maria Sophia's father became Elector Palatine, an inheritance that greatly benefitted he family's status. Maria Sophia's sister, Eleonore Magdalena married Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, due to the family's reputation as producing fertile women. After two marriages, Leopold I had no male heirs; Eleonore Magdalena quickly fulfilled her duty and gave birth to two sons.

A similar succession crisis was occurring in Portugal. Isabel Luísa, Princess of Beira, heiress to the throne and sole daughter of King Pedro II, was childless and had been refused by most European sovereigns due to her sickly nature and strict Portuguese succession rights. As a result, the Portuguese ambassador was sent to Heidelberg to ask for the hand of Maria Sophia for his King. The marriage contract was signed on 22 May 1687.

Following her marriage by proxy on 2 July 1687, Maria Sophia left Germany. The now Queen of Portugal arrived in Lisbon on 12 August 1687 amid great celebration. Maria Sophia and Pedro II married that same day.

Maria Sophia quickly won the affection of her stepdaughter, Isabel Luísa (who was only three years younger!). She was also loved by her husband, who was presented with a son and heir, João, on 30 August 1688. Unfortunately, João only lived for three weeks. A year later, on 22 October, she gave birth to another boy, also named João (the future João V). The couple had five more children: Francisco, António, Teresa Maria, Manuel and Francisca Josefa.

Maria Sophia was described as gentle, and Pedro treated her with respect. While she clashed with her sister-in-law, Catherine of Braganza, she was a popular Queen who was generous and set about helping the poor of Lisbon. She was pious and frequently involved with charities that supported widows and orphans, and allowed poor patients access to medical care at the palace.

Maria Sophia Elisabeth, Queen of Portugal, died on 4 August 1699, victim of a fever. She was just 32 years old.

Maria Sophia of Neuburg

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