Carlota of Mexico

1840 – 1927 · Generation XX · Consort

Carlota (1840 – 1927). Consort. Married Maximilian in 1857. Born Charlotte of Belgium; outlived Maximilian by 60 years, spent in seclusion. The only daughter of Leopold I of Belgium and Louise of Orléans, she refused Pedro V of Portugal, preferring Maximilian, whom she met in Brussels in 1856. Relations with Empress Elisabeth were poor from the start, so she was glad to settle in Milan when her husband became Viceroy of Lombardy–Venetia. When Napoleon III picked Maximilian to head a French-sponsored empire in Mexico, she talked him past his hesitation. They reached Mexico City in 1864; she acted as regent whenever he was away, which is why she is often named the first woman to govern in the Americas. Once France began withdrawing its troops, she crossed to Europe in 1866 to appeal to Napoleon and Pius IX; both refused, and her mind appeared to give way. She was held at Miramare when Maximilian was executed in 1867, and spent her remaining decades in Belgium, from 1879 at Bouchout Castle.

Place in the family

Carlota of Mexico married Maximilian I of Mexico, a brother of Franz Joseph I of Austria.

Partners

Married Maximilian I of Mexico (1832 – 1867) in 1857

Life

1840 — Born
1857 — Married Maximilian
1927 — Died