She had a good relationship with both her spouse and her stepson Francis: her stepson respected her and she used to demonstratively call him her son. Maria Theresa was interested in politics; she is known to have acted as the king's advisor and to have influenced him to be strict, and when she could not be present at the reception of officials and wished to hear the conversation, she listened to the talk behind the door.
She had a strong bond with both her husband and her stepson Francis: her stepson admired her and she would often publicly refer to him as her son. Maria Theresa was passionate about politics; she is known to have played a significant role in advising the king and influencing his decisions, and when she couldn't be present at official gatherings, she would secretly listen in on conversations.