Anne of Austria - Early Life

Early Life

Born at Benavente Palace in Valladolid, Spain, and baptised Ana María Mauricia, she was the eldest daughter of Habsburg parents, Philip III of Spain and Margaret of Austria. She held the titles of Infanta of Spain and of Portugal and Archduchess of Austria. Despite having been a native of Spain, she was referred to as "...of Austria" due to the fact that the Habsburgs were originally from Austria.

Anne was raised mainly at the Royal Alcazar of Madrid. Unusually, Anne grew up close to her parents, and lived a rather calm and orderly life when compared to other royal children. Her parents were very religious, and she therefore was raised to be as well, often visiting monasteries during her childhood. In 1611, she lost her mother, who died in childbirth; despite her grief, Anne did her best to take care of her younger siblings, who referred to her with affection as mother.