The Austrian Archduchess whose immunity led to her becoming a queen

Marie Antoinette is one of the most talked about figures in history, known for centuries as the poster child for the excesses of the French court. But a disfiguring disease played a part in her marrying the heir to the French throne. 

Archduchess Maria Antonia Josefa Johanna was born on 2 November 1755 to the Empress Maria Theresa and Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor. She was the youngest daughter and second youngest child of sixteen. 

Maria Antonia was a lively child and had a busy life at the Austrian court. Her mother had long planned for dynastic marriages for all of her children and thus educated them properly. The little archduchess had no interest in her tutors, though. She struggled with languages, a crucial skill for someone expected to marry into a foreign royal family.

In 1767, there was a smallpox epidemic in Vienna and the Imperial Family did not escape. Maria Antonia’s elder sister, Archduchess Maria Josepha, died of the disease. However, Maria Antonia escaped the wave of disease, as she had caught a mild case as a toddler. 

Because of her immunity, Maria Antonia did not acquire the disfiguring scars that can accompany smallpox. 

Maria Antonia’s beauty, along with her grace and elegance, and strength at dancing and music made her a strong marriage candidate. She was engaged to Louis Auguste, Dauphin of France in 1770. 

Their marriage would be one of the most famous in royal history. It ended in tragedy as both were executed in the French Revolution.