Maria Francisca of Orléans-Braganza, Duchess of Braganza Maria Francisca of Orléans-Braganza, Duchess of Braganza "Dona" Maria Francisca of Orléans-Braganza, Duchess of Braganza (8 September 1914 – 15 January 1968) was the wife of Duarte Nuno, Duke of Braganza, a pretender to the Portuguese throne, and the daughter of Pedro de Alcântara, Prince of Grão-Pará, pretender to the throne of the Empire of Brazil. The Duke and Duchess had three sons, the eldest of whom, Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, is the current pretender to the throne of Portugal. "Maria Francisca Amélia Luísa Vitória Teresa Isabel Miguela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga" was born at Château d'Eu in Eu, France,
House of Braganza of Marquis of Vila Viçosa and Count of Neiva. Fernando I's children, by his wife, Joana de Castro, Lady of Cadaval, continued to enlarge the influence of the House of Braganza. Of his nine children, all six who survived to adulthood established themselves either through positions or marriages, though the actions of King João II would seek to weaken their influence. Fernando I's first son and successor, Fernando II, was initially a bright and popular nobleman, but his conflict with King João II would see his and the House's downfall. His second son, João of Braganza, 1st Marquis of Montemor-o-Novo,