Maria I of Portugal

Maria I ascended the throne upon the death of her father, King Joseph I. She became the first undisputed queen regnant of Portugal, immediately dismissing the powerful Marquis of Pombal and reversing many of his reforms, signaling a shift in policy.

One of Maria I's first acts as queen was to dismiss the powerful and controversial Marquis of Pombal. She ordered an investigation into his administration, leading to his exile and the reversal of many of his Enlightenment reforms, restoring power to the aristocracy and Church.

Maria I began exhibiting severe symptoms of religious mania and mental illness, including delusions and anxiety. This condition, possibly exacerbated by the French Revolution and the death of her husband and son, rendered her incapable of ruling, leading to her son John becoming regent.

As Napoleon's forces invaded Portugal, the incapacitated Queen Maria I was transported with the royal family and court to Brazil under British escort. She spent the remainder of her life in Rio de Janeiro, where she died, never returning to Portugal.