Stephanie's lineage was impressive, as she was the eldest daughter of Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Princess Josephine of Baden. Her connections extended to various European monarchies, including her younger brother, King Carol I of Romania, and her nephew, King Albert I of Belgium.

The marriage between Estefânia de Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and King Peter V was celebrated in a grand ceremony. They were both approaching their twenty-first birthdays at the time. Stephanie's arrival in Portugal was met with opulence, and she soon gained admiration for her charitable endeavors, particularly her involvement in the establishment of hospitals.

Despite their union, Stephanie and Peter V did not have any children. Tragically, Stephanie fell ill with diphtheria and passed away in Lisbon at the age of 22. Her final resting place is the Braganza Pantheon, located within the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon.

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Stephanie's letters to her mother and brother during her time in Portugal offer glimpses into her experiences and emotions. Preserved in the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family archive, these letters provide valuable insights into the life of a queen and the challenges she faced during her short-lived reign.

Following Stephanie's death, King Peter V never remarried and passed away from cholera in 1861. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Luís.

The tragic tale of Stephanie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the burdens faced by those in positions of power. Despite her brief reign, Stephanie left a mark through her philanthropy and compassionate efforts, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember her benevolent spirit.