Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily
The Neapolitan princess who became France's final queen, navigating the tumult of the July Monarchy with a reputation for piety and charitable works.
1782–1866 (age 84)·Queen of the French from 1830 to 1848·Birthday: April 26
Biography
Maria Amalia Teresa was born into the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a childhood spent in the shadow of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Her marriage to Louis-Philippe d'Orléans, a duke with royal ambitions, was initially one of political convenience. However, it evolved into a genuine partnership. When the July Revolution of 1830 thrust her husband onto the throne as the 'Citizen King,' Maria Amalia reluctantly assumed the role of queen. As Queen of the French, she distanced herself from the extravagance of earlier monarchs, focusing instead on religious devotion, family, and philanthropy. Her conservative and austere public image contrasted with the liberal pretensions of her husband's regime. The February Revolution of 1848 ended their reign, forcing the family into exile in England, where she lived out her days, a symbol of a bygone era of monarchy.
#1 When Maria Was Born
The biggest hits of 1782
Maria's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1782Born
1787Started school
1795Became a teenager
1798Could drive
1800Could vote
1803Turned 21
1812Turned 30
1822Turned 40
1832Turned 50
1842Turned 60
1852Turned 70
1862Turned 80
President: Abraham Lincoln
1866Died at 84
President: Andrew Johnson
Key Achievements
- Served as the last Queen consort of the French from 1830 until the monarchy's overthrow in 1848.
- Founded and patronized numerous charitable organizations focused on education and aiding the poor in France.
- Successfully maintained a stable family life and raised ten children amidst intense political instability.
Did You Know?
She was the daughter of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and Maria Carolina of Austria, the sister of Marie Antoinette.
She initially opposed her husband accepting the crown, fearing the consequences.
After their exile, she and Louis-Philippe lived at Claremont House in Surrey, England.
She was a talented amateur artist, particularly known for her drawings.
“A queen must be the calm at the center of the storm, for her family and her nation.”
