Description: (Queen consort of Naples)
Maria Carolina of Austria ruled as Queen of Naples and Sicily, implementing reforms such as lifting the ban on Freemasonry and strengthening the navy. She advocated for enlightened absolutism until the French Revolution, when she adopted more authoritarian measures to suppress revolutionary ideas. Maria Carolina exerted significant influence over the Privy Council, orchestrated politically strategic marriages for her children, and supported the arts by sponsoring artists and scholars. She formed alliances with Britain and Austria during the Napoleonic Wars and sought refuge in Sicily following an unsuccessful invasion. Deposed twice, she passed away in Vienna in 1814.