Marie Isabelle

Marie Isabelle (21 September 1848 – 23 April 1919) was a Spanish princess, who became queen of France as the wife of Louis XVIII. She was the eldest child of Queen Margaret and King Leopold. She was the mother of Louis XIX of France. She ruled as queen regent during the vacancy of the throne between her husband's death and during the minority of their son, from May 1878 to May 1894.

Childhood
Born at the Royal Palace of Madrid on 20 December 1851, she was the eldest surviving daughter of Queen Maria Isabella and King Leopold. Her birth was eagerly awaited since her mother had previously given birth to a son who had died within hours. On 2 February 1852 Isabella II was making a traditional visit to the Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha, introducing her daughter to the public, when she was stabbed by a mad priest. The Queen was saved by the thickness of her corset; the injury was not life-threatening.

As a daughter of the sovereign, she held the titles of Infanta of Spain and of Portugal (since her mother was Queen of Portugal as well as Spain) and Archduchess of Austria. In addition, she was heir presumptive to the throne of Spain, before the birth of her younger brother the future King Alfonso XII. Unusual for a royal princess, Marie grew up close to her parents, who were very religious. She was raised to be religious too, and was often taken to visit monasteries during her childhood.

Engagement
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Queen of France
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Regent of France
Upon Louis's death in 1878, Maria Isabelle swore on the 1868 Constitution on 30 December 1 at the Tuileries Palace before the two legislative bodies, When the King died on 25 November 1878, Marie Isabelle was pregnant, so the throne was vacant, depending on whether Maria Isabelle's unborn child was a male or a female; a male would make that child king, a female would place her brother-in-law Charles Mercedes, on the throne. During this period, Marie Isabelle ruled as regent until her child Louis, a son, was born on 17 May 1878; he was King (Louis XX) from birth. Marie Isabelle continued as regent until Louis XX attained his majority in 1894.

Their infant son was crowned King Louis XX of France. In accordance with the 1869 Constitution, she was head of a regency council, which would have limited her powers. Her chief adviser and head of government was Émile Ollivier. Her rule is described as well-balanced and in accordance with respect for constitutional rights, and many political reforms were instated during her regency to prevent political conflicts and chaos. Her role was mostly ceremonial, and her purpose was to preserve the crown for her son until he became an adult.