While not many details are known about the wedding of Charles II and the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza, it is worth noting why they were married. As with so many royal marriages of the time, it was a strategic alliance to keep the peace, strengthen links with foreign countries and to increase wealth. Charles was restored to the British throne in 1660.
As part of the marriage treaty, Catherine came with an impressive dowry of sugar (a rare commodity), plate and jewels. Also, she came with the right to free trade with Brazil and the East Indies and the ports of Tangiers and Bombay.
A Catholic matrimonial mass was held at Manueline Abbey of St Jerome, where Catherine was married by proxy on 23 April 1662. This was followed by a carnival and bullfight. Then Catherine left for England. After her arrival in Portsmouth on 14 May 1662, the King and Catherine then went through two more marriage ceremonies on 21 May - a Catholic one (in secret) and an Anglican one. The blue love-knots on her dress were snipped off and handed around to the guests.
As she was Catholic, and this was the law at the time, Catherine could not be crowned on the British throne, but Charles had affection for her and supported her throughout the marriage. Charles did take many mistresses during his time - the most famous being Nell Gwynne.
Top left and right: Charles II reigned from 1660 until 1685. He was lazy, but skilled in foreign affairs.
Bottom right: Catherine of Braganza was the daughter of the King of Portugal. She married Charles II in 1662. Like the marriage of Albert and Victoria, this was one of true love and devotion.
Charles II had a strong interest in science, art and architecture, and many scientific achievements were made in Britain under his reign.
William and Mary. William was a grandson of Charles I and married mary, who was a daughter of James II. Together, they ruled until Mary died in 1694. William III died in 1702, on the eve of war with France.
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