A Note on History: The information above is based on the research we did to learn more about the Queen! We love to learn and grow together, so if there's anything we need to adjust in our understanding of Queen Amélie, please let us know! Send us a note at hello@kindredandkin.com.
My love affair with Benamôr started in 2017. I was instantly hooked on the Art Deco packaging and the ridiculously creamy formulas.
But here’s a confession: when I first heard the Rose Amélie line was named after Queen Amélie of Portugal, I was... hesitant. As someone who appreciates history's complexities, the idea of romanticizing Portuguese royalty felt a little thorny, especially given the monarchy's past association with slavery.
Curiosity quickly won out over caution. If a brand this cool was celebrating her as one of their most popular patrons, I had to know why. What I found was a fascinating woman who arrived in Portugal as a princess and left as a legend. And yes, her story is a perfect cocktail of charm, grit, and a little bit of tragic drama.
The Good Stuff: Fun Facts About the Queen of Kindness
Queen Maria Amélia of Orléans (1865-1951) was not your average royal. She was a powerhouse of intellect and compassion. Here are a few reasons why she deserves a spot in our beauty history books:
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The Royal Pharmacist: Get this -- Amélie was so dedicated to the well-being of her people (and her husband, King Carlos I) that she studied medicine at Lisbon’s Escola Polytechnica! She used her knowledge to personally treat her family and subjects. Talk about a Queen who knew her salves and serums!
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The Anti-Tuberculosis Crusader: Amélie took a special interest in the fight against tuberculosis, which was a huge health crisis at the time. She founded hospitals and sanatoriums specifically for children suffering from the disease, including one at Guarda. She was essentially a walking, talking public health campaign.
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A Woman of Culture: Beyond the medical work, she was instrumental in establishing the National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) in 1905, one of the most visited museums in Portugal today. She truly was a Queen of all trades!
The Benamôr Connection
Her status as a Benamôr icon came a bit later in her life, but it speaks volumes about her taste.
The brand was founded in 1925, after the monarchy had fallen and Amélie was in exile. However, in a 1935 letter, the Queen wrote to Benamôr raving about their products, declaring them superior to the most famous French cosmetics (a high compliment, considering she was French by birth!). This loyal patronage inspired the creation of the now-iconic Rose Amélie line, forever cementing her place in Portuguese beauty lore.
Caught in the Crosshairs: A Queen in a Crisis
Now, let's address the elephant in the royal court: the crumbling reputation of the monarchy she married into.
It’s true that Queen Amélie and King Carlos I reigned during a period of massive political and financial upheaval in Portugal. The country was declared bankrupt not once, but twice! This led to fierce republican opposition and widespread criticism of the monarchy's spending.
She was often criticized for her lavish spending and dedication to French fashion. However, this was likely a symptom of a much larger, systemic problem. Amélie was trying to keep the image of the crown dazzling and relevant during a time when her husband was making extremely difficult and unpopular political decisions.
Her life was tragically marked by this turmoil. She famously survived a 1908 assassination attempt that killed both her husband and her eldest son, Prince Luís Filipe. According to accounts, she fought off the attackers with a bouquet of flowers she was holding, desperately attempting to protect her surviving son. Talk about an incredible act of courage!
The Takeaway
My research on Queen Amélie showed me that you can acknowledge the flawed history of an institution while still appreciating the genuine good done by an individual. Amélie was a woman of fierce intelligence, deep compassion, and unwavering loyalty to her adopted country. She’s an inspiring figure who used her position for public service, founding essential health and cultural institutions.
So, the next time you smooth on any Rose Amélie products, you're not just indulging in a gorgeous scent; you're celebrating a powerful woman who balanced her royal duties with a very human desire to help others.
