Queen Maria Cristina was a Spanish queen consort, born on July 21, 1858, in Vienna, Austria. She was the daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand of Austria and Princess Elisabeth of Austria. Maria Cristina married King Alfonso XII of Spain in 1879 and became queen consort until his death in 1885. After her husband's passing, she served as regent for their son, Alfonso XIII, until he reached maturity. Maria Cristina played a significant role in Spanish politics during her regency, promoting modernization and stability in the country. She passed away on August 28, 1929, in San Sebastián, Spain.