Maria Antoinette
Maria Antoinette
Possibly one of the most misunderstood women in history, the name Maria Antoinette is well known.
The last Queen of France was sent to Madame Guillotine at the young age of 37,and some of her last words were courageous: “Courage! I have shown it for many years. You think I shall it at the moment when my sufferings are to end!” Yes, this Queen is an Inspiration for us today!
The Archduchess Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna Von Hasburg Lothringen (Maria Antoinette) was born on 22nd November, 1755, at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. This little girl was the 15 th child of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis I Stephen and Empress Maria Theresa. As a child, this little Princess had a very carefree life and was allowed to play alongside ‘commoners’, and would enjoy the Winter snows, sledding with her brothers freely through the Austrian countryside “in a swan shaped sledge”.
Maria was fond of comedy and performing and was encouraged to entertain the Royal Court with her singing and dancing . Partying became a big part of her life but her mother also taught Maria how to gamble. Unusually, Maria’s father would lavish his attention on his little girl. Sadly for Maria, Francis I Stephen (her father) died of a stroke when she was only 9 years of age.
