Death of Cecilia of Austria, Queen of Poland

Death of Cecilia of Austria, Queen of Poland

Cecilia Renata was born on the 16th of July 1611 in Graz, as the 6th child and third daughter to Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor and his wife Maria Anna of Bavaria.

On 13th September 1637 at the age of 26, Cecilia married Polish king, Wladyslaw IV.
She was crowned on the same day at St. John’s Cathedral in Warsaw.

Cecilia proved to be a clever woman, and she really liked life at the Polish court, where she was very popular among the nobles.

However, there was one prickly thorn in her side at the Polish court – her husband’s mistress, Hedwig Luszkowska.

Since the king would not remove her, Cecilia had to find a clever way to do it, and what better than to marry her off?
With the mistress out of the way, Cecilia could concentrate on married life.

On 1st April 1640, Cecilia gave birth to her first child and heir, Sigismund Casimir.
Unfortunately he died in 1647, aged seven.

On 8th January 1642, Cecilia gave birth to a girl, Maria Anna Isabella.
Sadly, this child died only a year later, giving Cecilia and Wladyslaw no living heirs.

Young and energetic, Queen Cecilia soon began organising the royal court to her liking.
She was especially popular for her kindness.

As queen, Cecilia was politically active, and had much to say about the royal nominations for important official positions.
Her influence over her husband was very strong.

Cecilia enjoyed music, concerts, and theatre performances.
This may have greatly influenced her husband, who was one of the founders of Polish national theatre, and brought many famous and well-known artists and performers from all around Europe to the country.

Cecilia gave birth to a stillborn daughter on 23rd March 1644.

Queen Cecilia Renata died the next day, 24th of March, at the age of 32.
Her cause of death is stated to have been an infection,
likely related to the childbirth.

She was deeply mourned by her husband Waldyslaw, and the Royal Polish court.
She is buried at Wawel Cathedral in Krakow beside her husband.

? Cecilia Renata of Austria, Queen of Poland c.1640

By Peter Danckerts de Rij