Introduction
The story of the arranged marriages involving Ferdinand III of Tuscany and his brother Francis, the future Emperor of Austria, is a fascinating glimpse into the strategic alliances of 18th-century European courts. It also features an amusing twist involving Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, whose cunning ensured favorable matches for her daughters.
1. The Marriage Plan for Ferdinand III of Tuscany
Emperor Leopold II desired that his son Ferdinand ascend to the Tuscan throne as a married man. To secure a suitable match, he sought the hand of Maria Teresa, the eldest daughter of Ferdinand IV of Naples and Queen Maria Carolina. This union was joyously accepted, strengthening ties between the Austrian and Neapolitan courts.
2. The Tragedy of Francis and the Quest for a Second Bride
Meanwhile, Francis, the emperor’s eldest son and heir, faced personal tragedy. His wife, Princess Elizabeth of Württemberg, passed away during childbirth, leaving him heartbroken. To help Francis move past his grief, Leopold II sought another bride for him, once again turning to the royal family of Naples.
Queen Maria Carolina, known for her strategic prowess, proposed her second daughter, Luisa Amalia, as a match for Francis. However, Luisa Amalia was perceived as “less favored” in appearance compared to her elder sister, a fact that sparked some discontent within the family.
3. Queen Maria Carolina’s Ingenious Plan
Faced with these challenges, Queen Maria Carolina devised a clever stratagem. Taking advantage of the fact that her daughters were unknown in Vienna, she had miniature portraits of both Maria Teresa and Luisa Amalia painted and sent to the Austrian court.
In an unexpected twist, Maria Teresa’s portrait was presented to Francis, while Luisa Amalia’s was sent to Ferdinand. The queen justified this switch by asserting that the role of empress demanded more refinement, while the position of a grand duchess was less demanding.
The switch went unnoticed by the imperial court, and the engagements proceeded without issue. Since the couples had not met prior to the arrangements, the change had no emotional repercussions.
4. The Weddings and Public Reception
On November 18, 1790, the two royal weddings were celebrated in Vienna, uniting the brothers with their Neapolitan brides. Five months later, in April 1791, Ferdinand and Maria Teresa made their solemn entry into Florence. The city’s people enthusiastically welcomed the young couple, though they were perhaps more excited to see the return of the philosopher monarch, Leopold II.
5. The Aftermath of the Marriage Switch
When news of the portrait swap eventually surfaced, it became a topic of amusement across European courts. Even Leopold II himself laughed at the cleverness of Maria Carolina’s scheme, writing to her with congratulations for achieving her desired outcomes.
Conclusion
The marriages of Ferdinand III of Tuscany and Francis highlight the intricate dynamics of royal alliances in the 18th century. Beyond the political significance, the clever maneuvering of Queen Maria Carolina adds a humorous and humanizing touch to this historical narrative.
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