Maria Francisca was born on June 21, 1646, in Paris, France, as the younger daughter of Charles Amadeus of Savoy, Duke of Nemours, and Élisabeth de Bourbon-Vendôme. Her noble lineage traced back to illustrious ancestors, including Henry IV of France and Gabrielle d'Estrées. Growing up, Maria Francisca held the title of Mademoiselle d'Aumale, derived from her father's duchy of Aumale. Her only surviving sibling was Marie Jeanne of Savoy, with whom she shared a close bond.

In 1666, at the age of 20, Maria Francisca married King Dom Afonso VI of Portugal. However, their marriage was never consummated, which allowed Maria Francisca to obtain an annulment. This led to her marriage to Afonso's brother, Infante Dom Peter, Duke of Beja, who became the prince regent in 1668 due to Afonso's perceived incompetence. Maria Francisca, now the queen for the second time, found her reign cut short as she tragically passed away just three months later, in December 1683.

Maria Francisca's marriages were not devoid of political complexities and power struggles. During her marriage to Afonso VI, she faced challenges as the king was physically impaired and mentally unstable. The government was controlled by Afonso's mother, Luisa de Guzmán, and guided by chief minister Castelo Melhor. Recognizing the opportunity to secure his own position, Castelo Melhor orchestrated Maria Francisca's removal to a convent in 1662.

Upon her marriage to Afonso VI, Maria Francisca displayed intelligence and determination. She sought to serve French interests while also aspiring to rule. However, she soon discovered that Afonso was under the influence of Castelo Melhor, who had no intention of sharing power. Maria Francisca found solace in her relationship with her brother-in-law, Pedro, which ultimately led to political alliances against Castelo Melhor. In September 1668, Pedro deposed Afonso, and Maria Francisca retired to a convent. She successfully annulled her marriage to Afonso on the grounds of non-consummation and subsequently married Pedro, who became the prince regent of Portugal.

After her annulment, Maria Francisca entered into her third and final marriage with Infante Peter, now the prince regent of Portugal. The couple had a daughter, Isabel Luísa Josefa of Portugal, who was born in 1669. However, Maria Francisca was unable to produce any more children, putting the Braganza dynasty at risk of extinction.

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In 1683, tragedy struck once again as Afonso VI passed away, and Peter succeeded him as Peter II of Portugal. Maria Francisca became queen for the third time, but her joy was short-lived. Just months later, in December 1683, she tragically died. Her only surviving child, Infanta Isabel Luísa, also faced an untimely death at the age of 21, leaving Peter II without a direct heir. He eventually remarried Maria Sofia of the Palatinate, who would bear him the much-needed successor, the future King John (João) V of Portugal.

Despite her short reigns and personal setbacks, Maria Francisca left a lasting impact on Portuguese history. Her marriages, alliances, and involvement in political intrigues shaped the course of the Portuguese monarchy during a crucial period of restoration and power transitions.

Maria Francisca was initially buried at the Convent of the Francesinhas before being moved to the Pantheon of the House of Braganza at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in 1912. Her final resting place stands as a testament to her role in Portuguese history and her position within the prestigious Braganza dynasty.

Maria Francisca of Savoy, Queen of Portugal, led a life filled with political complexities, personal tragedies, and royal alliances. From her marriage to Afonso VI to her annulment and subsequent marriage to Peter II, she navigated a tumultuous political landscape and played a significant role in shaping Portuguese history. Although her reigns were short, her impact on the monarchy and the dynastic future of Portugal cannot be overlooked. Maria Francisca's story serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics and struggles faced by royal figures in their quest for power, love, and legacy.