⭐ 75th Birthday of Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu: A Royal Legacy Celebrated

Today, the world celebrates a significant milestone in the life of a prominent figure in European royal history. Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu, born on December 3, 1946, marks his 75th birthday, a remarkable achievement that highlights his enduring legacy and dedication to his family and heritage. As the second son of Infante Duarte Nuño of Portugal, Duke of Bragança, and Princess Maria Francisca of Orleans-Bragança, Miguel's life has been shaped by the complexities of royal family dynamics and the challenges of navigating historical events that have impacted his family's fate. From his early years in Switzerland to his eventual return to Portugal with his family, Miguel's life has been marked by significant events that have influenced his path. His education at the Portuguese Military College and his later involvement in various royal family activities have solidified his position within the royal family. As he celebrates this milestone birthday, we take a moment to reflect on his life and the impact he has had on those around him, as well as the broader historical context that has shaped his experiences1.

Infante Dom Miguel, Duque de Viseu.

Today, the Duke of Viseu celebrates his seventy-fifth birthday!

Duarte Nuño and Maria Francisca on their wedding day, 1942.

The Duke and Duchess of Braganza with their three sons, 1950s. Photo (c) LIFE / Nina Leen.

The Duke and Duchess of Braganza with their children, 1950s. Photo (c) LIFE / Nina Leen.

Born at Bern, Switzerland, on 3 December 1946, Infante Miguel Rafael Gabriel Xavier Teresa Maria Felix of Portugal, Duke of Viseu, was the second son of Infante Duarte Nuño of Portugal (1907-1976), Duke of Bragança, and his wife Princess Maria Francisca of Orleans-Bragança (1914-1968), who married in 1942. Miguel has two brothers: Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Bragança (b.1945); and the late Dom Henrique, Duke of Coimbra (1949-2017).

Dom Miguel as a cadet at the Portuguese Military College.

In 1953, the Duke and Duchess of Bragança along with their three sons moved from Switzerland to Portugal. The Law of Exile banishing the descendants of King Miguel I from returning to their homeland had been rescinded by the Portuguese Parliament in 1950. The return of the Braganzas to Portugal was not covered by the country's media, which was under strict censorship by the Salazar government. Duarte Nuño and Maria Francisca first settled near Vila Nova de Gaia. Their two eldest sons, Duarte Pio and Miguel, were initially educated at home by private tutors, but the boys were eventually able to attend a public school in Oporto. In the late 1950s, the Braganzas were provided by the Fundação da Casa de Bragança with a home at the Palácio de São Marcos, which was located near Coimbra. Along with his older brother, Miguel attended the Military College in Lisbon.

The Braganza brothers in the 1980s: Dom Henrique, Dom Miguel, and Dom Duarte Pio.

As a member of the Portuguese armed forces, Miguel saw active service in Mozambique during the Mozambican War of Independence. His brother Duarte was a pilot in Angola during that nation's struggle for independence. Dom Miguel graduated from the School of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon.

Prince Pedro, Duke of Calabria, and Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu.

The Duke of Viseu is a notable patron of the arts and a painter himself. Dom Miguel is a founder and sponsor of the Luso-Brazilian Week of Aldravista Art, which is held interchangeably between Portugal and Brazil. He is also an active member of several orders of chivalry, notably the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.

Our best wishes to the Duke of Viseu on his birthday!

For an insightful interview with Dom Miguel, Duke of Viseu, please visit this link: https://revistaescaparate.com/s-a-r-el-infante-don-miguel-de-braganca-duque-de-viseu/

As we conclude this article celebrating the 75th birthday of Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu, we would like to express our gratitude to the readers who have taken the time to learn about the life and legacy of this remarkable individual. The story of Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Portuguese royal family, particularly during the challenging times of the Salazar government's censorship. His life, marked by significant events and milestones, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical records and honoring the contributions of those who have shaped the course of history.

We hope that this article has provided a valuable insight into the life of Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu, and we wish him a happy birthday and continued success in his endeavors. For those interested in learning more about the royal family and their experiences, we encourage you to explore the wealth of information available on the topic. The story of Infante Miguel, Duke of Viseu is just one chapter in the rich tapestry of European royal history, and we are honored to have been able to share it with you. We look forward to continuing to bring you informative and engaging articles on a wide range of historical topics.