Afonso, Prince Imperial of Brazil
Encyclopedia
Dom
Afonso (23 February 1845 – 11 June 1847) was the Prince Imperial and heir apparent
to the throne of the Empire of Brazil. Born in Rio de Janeiro
, he was the eldest child of Emperor Dom Pedro II
and Dona Teresa Cristina of the Two Sicilies, and thus a member of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza
. With the birth of his child, the insecure and shy 19-year-old Emperor Pedro II became more mature and outgoing. Afonso's arrival also fostered a closer and happier relationship between his parents, who had not married for love.
Afonso died from epilepsy at the age of two, devastating the emperor. After the subsequent loss of his other son, doubts grew in Pedro II's mind that the imperial system could be viable. He still had an heir in his daughter Isabel
, but he was unconvinced that a female would prove to be a suitable successor. He became careless about the effects of his policies on the monarchy, provided his daughter Isabel with no training for her role as potential empress, and failed to cultivate her acceptance within the country's political class. Pedro II's disinterest in protecting the imperial system ultimately led to its downfall.
, in Rio de Janeiro
, Brazil
. His full name was Afonso Pedro de Alcântara Cristiano Leopoldo Filipe Eugênio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga.
Through his father, Emperor Pedro II
, he was a member of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza
(Portuguese: Bragança) and was referred to using the honorific "Dom" (Lord
) from birth. Afonso was the grandson of Emperor Pedro I of Brazil and nephew of Queen Maria II of Portugal. Through his mother, Teresa Cristina, he was a grandson of Francesco I (Francis I
) and nephew to Ferdinando II (Ferdinand II
), who ruled as kings of the Two Sicilies in turn.
As was customary within the House of Braganza, Afonso's birth was a formal event attended by the royal court. Pedro II immediately presented the new born baby to the throng gathered in the palace, announcing "Gentlemen, here is a Prince whom God ..."—here he was overcome with emotion and was unable to continue. Luís Alves de Lima e Silva (then Baron and later Duke of Caxias) wrote to his father: "No one was happier than I with the news [of the prince's birth]".
Afonso was healthy, and as the eldest son of Pedro II, was heir to the throne and styled "Prince Imperial". The young prince resembled his father, particularly in his face, hair and eyes. Because of his gender and position as heir apparent, he became the center of attention, particularly for Pedro II. A letter written by Pedro II to his elder sister Maria II a few months after the birth of his second child—a daughter named Isabel
—displayed his happiness: "No news here save the good state of health of myself, of the empress, and of the little ones, who are becoming increasingly cute, principally little Afonso, who is already walking and who says many words, still half incomprehensible, which increases their charm."
during his childhood had created in Pedro II a fear of abandonment and a terror of becoming attached to anyone. The birth of his first son gave him a sense of purpose and belonging that had long been missing.
"Fatherhood", said historian Roderick J. Barman, "gave the emperor the emotional security and the self-confidence so conspicuously missing during his childhood and adolescence." Pedro II found it easier to break out of his social isolation, and he became more open, impartial, and polite. His new confidence and openness allowed him to establish his authority as monarch and take "full control of his life and of the government". Parenthood also produced a marked improvement in his relationship with his wife, Teresa Cristina, whom he had only married in the interests of the empire. The marriage thereafter became a happy one, aided by her faithful dedication, his development of a more stable and mature character, and their growing mutual domestic interests and affection.
, as did his father.
The grief of Pedro II and his wife was enormous. It was feared that the shock might affect Teresa Cristina's health, as she was pregnant at the time with her third child. She later gave birth without complications on 13 July to a girl, who was christened Leopoldina
. The devastated emperor wrote a letter to his stepmother, the Empress Amélia, dated 11 July 1847, telling her of Afonso's death: "With the most piercing grief I tell you that my little Afonso, your godson, unfortunately died of convulsions, which he suffered during five hours on the 4th of last month; and a few days ago little Isabel was put at risk by a strong attack of convulsions that greatly frightened me."
A grand state funeral—not seen since the death of Pedro II's sister Paula in 1833—was held for the Prince Imperial at 7 p.m. three days after his death. He is buried alongside other members of the Brazilian House of Braganza (including his younger brother Pedro
, his uncle João
and his aunt Paula) in the mausoleum of the Convento de Santo Antônio (Convent of Saint Anthony) in Rio de Janeiro.
Pedro II began his rule as a figurehead who held together a realm on the verge of disintegration. He quickly matured and successfully navigated the empire through repeated and serious crises. By the time of Afonso's death, the nation was entering an unprecedented era of prosperity, development and tranquility. Even as the emperor's political successes and policies began to bear fruit, the lack of a male heir caused him to lose motivation to promote the imperial office as a position to be carried on by his descendants. The emperor turned away from personal and family ties, and focused on upholding the constitution while directing Brazil toward policies that furthered modernization and social advancement. The future of the monarchy as an institution no longer mattered to him, and in 1889, he was deposed in a coup
, marking the end
of the Empire of Brazil.
The prince's full style and title was "His Imperial Highness Dom Afonso, Prince Imperial of Brazil".
Dom (title)
Dom is a title of respect prefixed to the given name. It derives from Latin Dominus.It is used in English for certain Benedictine and Carthusian monks, and for members of certain communities of Canons Regular. Examples include Benedictine monks of the English Benedictine Congregation...
Afonso (23 February 1845 – 11 June 1847) was the Prince Imperial and heir apparent
Heir apparent
An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
to the throne of the Empire of Brazil. Born in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, he was the eldest child of Emperor Dom Pedro II
Pedro II of Brazil
Dom Pedro II , nicknamed "the Magnanimous", was the second and last ruler of the Empire of Brazil, reigning for over 58 years. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he was the seventh child of Emperor Dom Pedro I of Brazil and Empress Dona Maria Leopoldina and thus a member of the Brazilian branch of...
and Dona Teresa Cristina of the Two Sicilies, and thus a member of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza
House of Braganza
The Most Serene House of Braganza , an important Portuguese noble family, ruled the Kingdom of Portugal and its colonial Empire, from 1640 to 1910...
. With the birth of his child, the insecure and shy 19-year-old Emperor Pedro II became more mature and outgoing. Afonso's arrival also fostered a closer and happier relationship between his parents, who had not married for love.
Afonso died from epilepsy at the age of two, devastating the emperor. After the subsequent loss of his other son, doubts grew in Pedro II's mind that the imperial system could be viable. He still had an heir in his daughter Isabel
Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil
Dona Isabel , nicknamed "the Redemptress", was the heiress presumptive to the throne of the Empire of Brazil, bearing the title of Princess Imperial....
, but he was unconvinced that a female would prove to be a suitable successor. He became careless about the effects of his policies on the monarchy, provided his daughter Isabel with no training for her role as potential empress, and failed to cultivate her acceptance within the country's political class. Pedro II's disinterest in protecting the imperial system ultimately led to its downfall.
Birth
Afonso was born on 23 February 1845 in the Palace of São CristóvãoPaço de São Cristóvão
Paço de São Cristóvão is a palace located in the Quinta da Boa Vista park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the former residence of the Emperors of Brazil...
, in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. His full name was Afonso Pedro de Alcântara Cristiano Leopoldo Filipe Eugênio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga.
Through his father, Emperor Pedro II
Pedro II of Brazil
Dom Pedro II , nicknamed "the Magnanimous", was the second and last ruler of the Empire of Brazil, reigning for over 58 years. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he was the seventh child of Emperor Dom Pedro I of Brazil and Empress Dona Maria Leopoldina and thus a member of the Brazilian branch of...
, he was a member of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza
House of Braganza
The Most Serene House of Braganza , an important Portuguese noble family, ruled the Kingdom of Portugal and its colonial Empire, from 1640 to 1910...
(Portuguese: Bragança) and was referred to using the honorific "Dom" (Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
) from birth. Afonso was the grandson of Emperor Pedro I of Brazil and nephew of Queen Maria II of Portugal. Through his mother, Teresa Cristina, he was a grandson of Francesco I (Francis I
Francis I of the Two Sicilies
-Biography:Francis was born in Naples, the son of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and his wife Archduchess Maria Carolina of Austria. He was also the nephew of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI the last King and Queen of France before the first French Republic....
) and nephew to Ferdinando II (Ferdinand II
Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies
Ferdinand II was King of the Two Sicilies from 1830 until his death.-Family:Ferdinand was born in Palermo, the son of King Francis I of the Two Sicilies and his wife and first cousin Maria Isabella of Spain.His paternal grandparents were King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and Queen Marie...
), who ruled as kings of the Two Sicilies in turn.
As was customary within the House of Braganza, Afonso's birth was a formal event attended by the royal court. Pedro II immediately presented the new born baby to the throng gathered in the palace, announcing "Gentlemen, here is a Prince whom God ..."—here he was overcome with emotion and was unable to continue. Luís Alves de Lima e Silva (then Baron and later Duke of Caxias) wrote to his father: "No one was happier than I with the news [of the prince's birth]".
Afonso was healthy, and as the eldest son of Pedro II, was heir to the throne and styled "Prince Imperial". The young prince resembled his father, particularly in his face, hair and eyes. Because of his gender and position as heir apparent, he became the center of attention, particularly for Pedro II. A letter written by Pedro II to his elder sister Maria II a few months after the birth of his second child—a daughter named Isabel
Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil
Dona Isabel , nicknamed "the Redemptress", was the heiress presumptive to the throne of the Empire of Brazil, bearing the title of Princess Imperial....
—displayed his happiness: "No news here save the good state of health of myself, of the empress, and of the little ones, who are becoming increasingly cute, principally little Afonso, who is already walking and who says many words, still half incomprehensible, which increases their charm."
Impact of his birth on Pedro II
Emperor at the age of 5 and declared of age and fit to begin ruling at 14, Pedro II had been an awkward and shy adolescent, suspicious of everyone around him. He was thrust into a thankless and burdensome role as the national symbol for a country that had almost disintegrated during his childhood, wracked by a long series of widespread provincial rebellions. The death of his parents and his sister PaulaPrincess Paula of Brazil
Princess Paula of Brazil was a member of the Brazilian Imperial Family, the sixth daughter of Emperor Pedro I and Empress Leopoldina.-Biography:...
during his childhood had created in Pedro II a fear of abandonment and a terror of becoming attached to anyone. The birth of his first son gave him a sense of purpose and belonging that had long been missing.
"Fatherhood", said historian Roderick J. Barman, "gave the emperor the emotional security and the self-confidence so conspicuously missing during his childhood and adolescence." Pedro II found it easier to break out of his social isolation, and he became more open, impartial, and polite. His new confidence and openness allowed him to establish his authority as monarch and take "full control of his life and of the government". Parenthood also produced a marked improvement in his relationship with his wife, Teresa Cristina, whom he had only married in the interests of the empire. The marriage thereafter became a happy one, aided by her faithful dedication, his development of a more stable and mature character, and their growing mutual domestic interests and affection.
Death
On 11 June 1847, the young prince was playing in the library of the palace when he experienced a series of strong convulsions and died, not quite two and a half years old. His death revealed that Afonso suffered from epilepsyEpilepsy
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and nearly two out of every three new cases...
, as did his father.
The grief of Pedro II and his wife was enormous. It was feared that the shock might affect Teresa Cristina's health, as she was pregnant at the time with her third child. She later gave birth without complications on 13 July to a girl, who was christened Leopoldina
Princess Leopoldina of Brazil
Princess Leopoldina of Brazil was a member of the Brazilian Imperial Family, the third child and second daughter of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil and his consort Teresa Cristina of the Two Sicilies. By marriage she was Princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Duchess in Saxony...
. The devastated emperor wrote a letter to his stepmother, the Empress Amélia, dated 11 July 1847, telling her of Afonso's death: "With the most piercing grief I tell you that my little Afonso, your godson, unfortunately died of convulsions, which he suffered during five hours on the 4th of last month; and a few days ago little Isabel was put at risk by a strong attack of convulsions that greatly frightened me."
A grand state funeral—not seen since the death of Pedro II's sister Paula in 1833—was held for the Prince Imperial at 7 p.m. three days after his death. He is buried alongside other members of the Brazilian House of Braganza (including his younger brother Pedro
Pedro, Prince Imperial of Brazil
Pedro Afonso Cristiano Leopoldo Eugénio Fernando Vicente Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga was the fourth and last child of the Emperor D. Pedro II of Brazil and D. Teresa Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies....
, his uncle João
João Carlos, Prince of Beira
Infante João Carlos of Portugal, Prince of Brazil was a Portuguese infante , son of heir to the throne Pedro, Prince of Brazil and Maria Leopoldina of Austria.-Ancestry:...
and his aunt Paula) in the mausoleum of the Convento de Santo Antônio (Convent of Saint Anthony) in Rio de Janeiro.
Legacy
The prince's early death (and the later demise of his younger brother) had an enormous impact on Pedro II: on a personal level, on his future conduct as monarch, and on the empire. In his eyes, the deaths of his only sons seemed to presage the end of the imperial system. Although the emperor still had a legal successor in his daughter Isabel, in the male-dominated society of the time he had little confidence that a woman could rule Brazil. He was fond and respectful of the women in his life, but he did not consider it feasible that Isabel could survive as monarch. He did nothing to prepare Isabel for the responsibilities of ascending the throne, nor did he attempt to encourage acceptance of a female ruler among the political class or in the wider public.Pedro II began his rule as a figurehead who held together a realm on the verge of disintegration. He quickly matured and successfully navigated the empire through repeated and serious crises. By the time of Afonso's death, the nation was entering an unprecedented era of prosperity, development and tranquility. Even as the emperor's political successes and policies began to bear fruit, the lack of a male heir caused him to lose motivation to promote the imperial office as a position to be carried on by his descendants. The emperor turned away from personal and family ties, and focused on upholding the constitution while directing Brazil toward policies that furthered modernization and social advancement. The future of the monarchy as an institution no longer mattered to him, and in 1889, he was deposed in a coup
Decline and fall of Pedro II of Brazil
The decline and fall of Pedro II of Brazil occurred over the course of the 1880s, with the underlying factors accumulating and coming increasingly into focus after 1881...
, marking the end
Abolished monarchy
Throughout history, monarchies have been abolished, either through revolutions, legislative reforms, coups d'état, or wars. The twentieth century saw a major acceleration of this process, with many monarchies violently overthrown by revolution or war, or else abolished as part of the process of...
of the Empire of Brazil.
Titles and styles
- 23 February 1845 – 11 June 1847: His Imperial Highness The Prince Imperial
The prince's full style and title was "His Imperial Highness Dom Afonso, Prince Imperial of Brazil".
Honors
Prince Afonso was a recipient of the following Brazilian Orders:- Major Commander of the Order of ChristOrder of Christ (Brazil)The Imperial Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ , simply named Order of Christ, is an order of chivalry instituted by emperor Pedro I of Brazil on 7 December 1822, on the basis of the Portuguese Order of Christ founded by King Dom Dinis and Pope John XXII in 1316-1319. Knights of the Order of Christ...
- Major Commander of the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz
- Major Commander of the Order of Saint James of the Sword
- Grand Cross of the Order of Pedro IOrder of Pedro IThe Imperial Order of Dom Pedro I is an Brazilian order of chivalry instituted by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil on 16 April 1826.On 22 March 1890, the order was cancelled as national order by the interim government of United States of Brazil....
- Grand Cross and Grand Major Dignitary of the Order of the RoseOrder of the RoseThe Imperial Order of the Rose is an Brazilian order of chivalry, instituted by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil on 17 October 1829 to commemorate his marriage to Amélie of Leuchtenberg....
Ancestry
Endnotes
- Pedro I and Maria II were Pedro II's father and sister, respectively.
- Francesco I and Ferdinando II were Teresa Cristina's father and brother.
- Pedro II was mistaken about the date of his son's death. It did in fact occur on 11 June.
- Article 105 of the Brazilian Constitution of 1824 states: "The presumptive heir of the Empire will have the title of—Prince Imperial ... The style of the presumptive heir will be—Imperial Highness".