Anna of Austria was a Spanish princess born in 1549, the daughter of King Philip II of Spain and Maria of Portugal. She became the Queen consort of King Henry III of France through marriage in 1570, which aimed to strengthen ties between Spain and France. As queen, Anna played a significant role in the French court, promoting Catholicism and supporting her husband's policies. She was known for her piety and dedication to her family, having several children, including Louis XIII of France. Anna passed away in 1580, leaving a lasting legacy in both Spanish and French history.