Maria Theresa of Austria-Tuscany (1801–1855) was an archduchess of Austria and, by marriage, was the last Queen of Sardinia before the unification of Italy. She was born in Vienna, the daughter of Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Princess Louise Marie Adélaïde de Bourbon.
Maria Theresa was the second child of Ferdinand III and Princess Louise. Her early life was spent in the Tuscany court, where she received a typical education for an archduchess of the time, which included languages, music, and etiquette. In 1817, at the age of sixteen, she was married to Charles Albert of Sardinia, who would later become King of Sardinia. The marriage was arranged as part of the diplomatic strategies of the Habsburg Empire to strengthen ties with the House of Savoy.
Upon Charles Albert's accession to the throne of Sardinia in 1831, Maria Theresa became queen. Her role was primarily ceremonial, but she was known for her charitable activities and her support for cultural and educational initiatives. She was also involved in the court life, hosting balls and other social events, which helped to maintain the prestige of the royal family.
During her reign, the political landscape of Italy was tumultuous. The Italian unification movement was gaining momentum, with various regions seeking independence from foreign rule. The Kingdom of Sardinia, under Charles Albert, played a pivotal role in these events. Maria Theresa's position as queen placed her in the midst of these historical changes, though her influence on political matters was limited due to the patriarchal norms of the time.
Maria Theresa and Charles Albert had six children:
After the abdication of Charles Albert in 1849 following the defeat in the First Italian War of Independence, Maria Theresa accompanied him into exile. They settled in Portugal, where Charles Albert died in 1849. Maria Theresa lived the rest of her life in seclusion in Portugal, focusing on her religious and charitable works until her death in 1855.
Maria Theresa is remembered for her role in the transition of the House of Savoy from a regional power to the leading force in the unification of Italy through her son, Victor Emmanuel II. Her contributions to culture, education, and charity in the regions she lived also form part of her legacy.