The Duchess of Parma is a title traditionally held by the female ruler or consort of the Duchy of Parma, a historical region in northern Italy. The duchy was established in the 16th century and became part of the larger Habsburg territories. The title has been associated with various noble families, particularly the House of Bourbon. One notable Duchess of Parma was Marie Louise of Austria, who became the duchess in 1816 after her marriage to Napoleon Bonaparte's brother, Prince Charles Louis. Her reign was marked by efforts to modernize the duchy and improve its economy, leaving a lasting impact on the region's development.