QUEEN MARIA TERESA (FRANCE) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/22/1653 - HFSID 52987

QUEEN MARIA TERESA (MARIE THÉRESE) OF FRANCE
The Infanta, heir to the Spanish throne, writes to friend about her sister's, the future Holy Roman Empress Margaret Theresa, good health
Autograph letter signed: "Maria Teresa" in brown ink. 1 page, 12x8½ flat, 6x8½ folded. Written at Royal Palace of El Pardo, Madrid, Spain. January 22, 1653. Addressed to the Condesa de Salvatierra. Roughly translated: Record of pleasure to hear of her sister's good health, with reference to the good hunt and the Queen's ill health (bad headache). Also, a message for Soplo that his absence has angered her. Maria Teresa (1638-1683) was the daughter of King Philip IV of Spain and his wife, Elisabeth of France. Because Spain had no "Salic Law" preventing the accession of a female monarch, Maria Teresa was heir presumptive to the Spanish throne from 1646 to 1657, an interval during which Philip had no living sons. In 1660, she was married to her first cousin, King Louis XIV of France, as part of the settlement of a war between France and Spain. She thus became Queen Marie Thérese, the French version of her name. Although Louis would have several mistresses during the marriage, he treated his queen respectfully. Though she took little interest in politics, she was obliged to act as regent three times while Louis was away on military campaigns. One of her grandsons became King of Spain, and the last four Bourbon monarchs of France were her descendants. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Edges and corners worn and soiled. Light surface creases. Small tears along edges. Otherwise, fine condition.