QUEEN MARIA TERESA (FRANCE) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/21/1656 - HFSID 53229

QUEEN MARIA TERESA (MARIE THÉRESE) OF FRANCE
The future Queen of France writes to friend about the previous morning activities
Autograph letter signed: "Maria Teresa" in brown ink. 1 page, 11¾x8¼ flat, 6x8¼ folded. Written at Palacio Real de Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain. April 21, 1956. Addressed to the Condesa de Salvatierra. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear of sister's good health and spirits, with mention of her loneliness for her. Reference to the fine weather and activities, with a message for the Countess from Maria Bazan. 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. Large, toned stains throughout. Ink slightly smeared. Otherwise, fine condition.