Casa do Infantado
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Created in 1654 by King John IV of Portugal, the Casa do Infantado (House of the Prince) was a wealthy Portuguese seigniory that consisted mainly of the material goods, lands and properties confiscated from supporters of Spain during the Portuguese Restoration War. The Casa do Infantado belonged to and was passed on to the second-born son of each King — i.e., the prince that was not entitled to the crown — as his appanage. This prince was known as Senhor da Casa do Infantado (Lord of the House of Infantado) or simply Senhor do Infantado (Lord of Infantado).
[edit] Heritage
The following estates were part of the Casa do Infantado:
- Palácio Nacional de Queluz (Queluz National Palace) [1]
- Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira (St. Mary of Feira Castle) [2]
- Palácio da Bemposta (Bemposta Palace)
[edit] Lords of Infantado
The following princes were Lords of Infantado:
- Pedro de Bragança - Second son of King John IV, he became King Pedro II as the result of a coup d'état sparked by the mental disability of his older brother, Alfonso VI.
- Francisco de Bragança - Second son of King Pedro II, he was also known as the Duke of Beja.
- Pedro de Bragança - Second son of King John V, he became King Pedro III after marrying his niece Maria I of Portugal.
- João de Bragança - Second son of King Pedro III, he became King John VI after the death of his older brother, José de Bragança.
- Miguel de Bragança - Second son of King John VI, he became King Miguel I after usurping the throne from niece Maria II.
As noted above, the Lords of Infantado who eventually became kings did so not because they were preordained to inherit the crown (as this was reserved for the first-born princes) but rather due to specific historical events.
