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Kings and Queens of Portugal

Useful Information
Prime Ministers of Portugal
Constitutional Prime Ministers
First Republic Prime Ministers
Second Republic Prime Ministers (National Dictatorship)
Third Republic Prime Ministers
 
 

The kingdom of Portugal came into existence in 1143, when it's independence from Spanish rule in Leon was recognised. The first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was a Count of Burgundy and the son of an illegitimate daughter of the King of Leon. Alfonso it is said to have been unanimously declared King by his soldiers immediately following the Battle of Ourique on 25th July 1139, though papal blessing was only given in 1179.

The Portugal we know today is much larger than the original lands which were declared the Kingdom of Portugal. It was King Sancho I (son of Afonso Henriques) who declared himself King of Portugal and of the Algarve, though it wasn't until 1249 when the last of the Moors were driven out of Faro that the title was rang true. 

Portugal remained under regal rule for a further 767 years until 1910, when a military coup abolished the monarchy. King Manuel II, the last reigning Portuguese monarch, was deposed and he lived out his life in exile in the United Kingdom.

There were three ruling families during this period - the House of Burgundy (1143-1383); the House of Avis (1385-1580) and the House of Braganca (1640-1910). During this period though Portuguese rule was passed to the Spanish crown (1580-1640) for nearly a century - something the Portuguese are not keen to celebrate. 

The shortest serving monarch was Pedro IV, who was nicknamed the Soldier King. He ruled for just under two months. but was also named Emperor of Brazil. The longest reigning Portuguese monarch was Alfonso Henriques, who ruled as king for 42 years, though as Count of Portugal for 73 years.

There were only two regnant Queens of Portugal - Maria I and Maria II, though some would argue the Infanta Beatrice  should be added to the list for her short, disputed reign in the 14th century. The other queens of Portugal held the title as Queen Consorts, wives of the Portuguese kings.

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