Marriages Divorced From Reality.

MARRIAGES of royalty & nobility; FERDINAND VI, King of Spain, 1713-1759; MARIA Barbara, Queen, consort of Fernando VI, King of Spain, 1711-1758; JOSEPH, King of Portugal, 1714-1777; INCEST; CARLOTA Joaquina, Queen, consort of John VI, King of Portugal, 1775-1830; JOHN VI, King of Portugal, 1767-1826; KINGS & rulers of Spain; HISTORY; KINGS & rulers

PORTUGALReport Available; SPAINReport Available

The article presents a historical overview of several marriages that took place between the royal families of Portugal and Spain between 1729 and 1785. It focuses on the celebrations and expenses incurred by King João of Portugal for the marriage of his son José to the Spanish princess Mariana de Borbón and the marriage of his daughter Maria Bárbara to the Spanish Crown Prince Fernando. It discusses reasons which led José's daughter, the Portuguese Princess Maria, to marry her uncle Pedro in 1760, describes another incestuous marriage in the family between Prince José and his aunt Benedita in 1777, and explores problems associated with the marriage between the Portuguese Prince João and the child bride Princess Carlota Joaquina from Spain in 1785.