Catherine of Braganza: The Portuguese Queen Who Made Tea England's National Drink

Catherine of Braganza wed King Charles II of England in 1662, motivated by political and financial interests. This alliance ensured England's backing for Portugal's independence in return for Bombay, Tangiers, and trading privileges in Brazil and the East Indies, alongside an outstanding cash payment. Born in 1638, Catherine encountered a frosty reception in England and faced public humiliation from Charles's lover, Barbara Palmer. Although she experienced personal dissatisfaction and did not have children, she played a key role in popularizing tea drinking, a trend supported by court poet Edmund Waller, which gained traction in England. After Charles passed away in February 1685, Catherine stayed in England until her return to Portugal in 1692. She passed away on December 31, 1705, and was interred in Lisbon.