Catherine de Braganza was a Portuguese princess born in 1638. She became the queen consort of England when she married Charles II in 1662. Her marriage was part of a political alliance between Portugal and England, aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. Catherine is known for introducing tea drinking to the English court, which became a popular custom. She also brought other cultural influences from Portugal, including the use of ceramics and cuisine. Despite facing challenges in her marriage, including issues of fertility, she remained a significant figure in English history.