Her eldest sister Isabella, Princess of Asturias, was the first wife of Manuel I, but her death in 1498 created a necessity for Manuel to remarry; Maria became the next bride of the Portuguese king, reaffirming dynastic links with Iberian royal houses.
Her eldest sister Isabella, Princess of Asturias, was the first spouse of Manuel I, but her demise in 1498 necessitated Manuel to remarry; Maria became the subsequent bride of the Portuguese king, reestablishing familial ties with Iberian royal families.