Catherine of Braganza

Catherine of Braganza (November 25, 1638 - November 30, 1705) was the queen consort of King Charles II of England.

She was born Catherine Henrietta, daughter of King John IV of Portugal (then Duke of Braganza), in Lisbon, Portugal. She married Charles II in May, 1662, in Portsmouth. She was not a particularly popular choice of queen, being a Roman Catholic, and her religion prevented her ever being crowned, since she could not take part in an Anglican service. Despite Charles's reputation as a womaniser, Catherine never gave birth to a live heir, though she had several pregnancies, the last being in 1669. Her position was a difficult one, as Charles neglected her and continued to have children by his mistresses, but he refused to divorce her. Following his death, Catherine returned to Portugal, where she died.