Princess Maria Amélie of Bourbon was born on January 13, 1812, in Lisbon, Portugal. She was a member of the House of Bourbon, a prominent royal family in Europe. Maria Amélie was the daughter of King John VI of Portugal and Queen Carlota Joaquina of Spain. In 1834, she married Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, becoming the Duchess of Braganza. Maria Amélie played a significant role in Portuguese society during her lifetime, particularly in promoting education and the arts. She passed away on December 16, 1857, in Lisbon.