Maria II of Portugal

Maria II wasn't born in Portugal, but all the way in Brazil! Her dad, King João VI, was there, and she was born in a big city called Rio de Janeiro. She was the first child of the future King Pedro I and Queen Maria Leopoldina.

When she was just seven years old, her dad became king of Portugal and decided Maria should be queen too! But she stayed in Brazil while her aunt helped rule Portugal for her. It was like having a pretend king or queen when the real one is too young!

Things got a bit tricky when Maria's uncle, Miguel, came to Portugal. He was supposed to marry Maria when she grew up, but instead, he took the crown for himself! Maria was still a child and was far away in Brazil.

She didn't even know she'd lost her throne until she arrived in Gibraltar, a place near Spain. She then traveled to England and back to Brazil. Her dad, who had also become an emperor in Brazil, came back to Europe to help her get her crown back.

Finally, when Maria was 15, she got to set foot in Portugal for the first time! Her dad's army helped her take back her throne. She was queen again, but it wasn't easy.

She got married twice, but sadly, her first husband died very quickly. She had many children, but having babies was very hard on her. She was known as 'the Educator' because she cared a lot about learning and 'the Good Mother' because she had so many kids!

Maria II ruled Portugal for many years, from when she was a child until she was 34. She had 11 children with her second husband, Ferdinand. Sadly, she passed away in 1853, right after giving birth to her last baby. Her oldest son, Pedro V, became the next king. Even though she was queen, she also went to school in France to learn, showing that even queens need to study!