Luisa of Medina-Sidonia

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Luisa de Guzmán (Spanish) or Luísa de Gusmão (Portuguese) (Sanlúcar de Barrameda, 1613-February 27, 1666) was a Spanish noblewoman who became queen-consort of Portugal when her husband John, Duke of Braganza became the first King of Portugal of the House of Braganza.

She was an ambitious woman, and although she was of Spanish origin she guided her husband's policies during the Portuguese rebellion of 1640 (Restoration of Independence) against Spain. Luisa is considered the main influence behind John IV's acceptation of the throne of Portugal when the Revolution seemed to tend to the Portuguese side. It is said that being warned of the dangers of becoming Queen of a country that was to face Spain's might she pronounced the famous words:

Antes rainha um dia que duquesa toda a vida

Rather Queen for a day than a duchess all my life.

When a failed attempt to murder the King in 1641 she is said to be one of the members of the Corte to support the execution of nobles like the Duke of Caminha.

She was named Regent of the Kingdom after her husbands death and during the minority of her son Afonso VI of Portugal. She continued to occupy the post even after Afonso became an adult because the king was mentally instable. She was the target of a failed conspiracy headed by Luís de Vasconcelos e Sousa, Count of Castelo Melhor.

She is also the main responsible for the diplomatic success of the new alliance with England, as well as the organization of the armies that in the next year would completely secure the Portuguese independence through the victories in the Portuguese Restoration War.

She defended the principles of freedom and independence of the Kingdom and controlled the government with a strong hand fearing her son was incapable.

[edit] Trivia

It is assumed Luisa may have also had vitiligo as evidenced in the white streak in her hair in many paintings.