DAUGHTER OF THE HEAD OF THE ROYAL HOUSE OF PORTUGAL PROCLAIMED DUCHESS
July 4, 2018, Infanta Maria Francisca of Portugal, the only daughter of Duarte III, Duke of Braganza, Head of the Royal House Prince of Portugal, was proclaimed the Duchess of Coimbra and granted the dynasty Order of Saint Isabel in a ceremony that took place in the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova in Coimbra.
The title of the Dukes of Coimbra is the second oldest noble title of Portugal, first being the Duke of Viseu (the traditional title for the crown heir). Historically, this title of the Kingdom of Portugal belonged to princes (usually the second sons of the monarch). To this day, the only pretender to the title of the Duchess of Coimbra was Princess Maria Pia de Saxe-Coburgo e Bragança (1907 + 1995), a bastard daughter of King Carlos I of Portugal.
The ceremony was attended only by members of the Royal Family of Portugal and specially invited guests. The media was barred from the ceremony.
