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The Marshal-Regnant of Portugal is a position roughly analogous to the Governor-General of Canada, or Governor-General of Timor in the Portuguese Commonwealth. As the King of Portugal resides in Rio de Janeiro in his capacity as King of Brazil, a representative is needed in Portugal. In recognition of Portugal’s precedence in the United Kingdom, a precedence that also places Lisbon first in the order of coronations, this representative is given the title Marshal-Regnant, a title that unofficially dates back to the rule of William Beresford but was formally created for the future Pedro IV & I when he was sent to resolve the Liberal Crisis in the 1820s. The Marshal-Regnant is also given the title “Duke of Estremadura”. The role is, like the Monarchy in Brazil, strictly ceremonial.
Traditionally the title is held until either the Marshal-Regnant dies or retires, or the monarch who appointed them does so. Usually the title is given to an Uncle or Younger Son of the Monarch. Exceptions include 1927-1945 when there were no suitable royal candidates and so the well respected Duke of Bahia was dispatched, and from 1959-1963 when former Portuguese Prime Minister Joaquim Barbosa was awarded the title for his exemplary leadership during the Global War. In 1983 the Portuguese Prime Minister was formally given veto power over the appointment. This right was first exercised in 2008. King Paulo’s Second Son Miguel was nominated, but his involvement in the RioBank Scandal and perceived habit of meddling in Government led to the Portuguese cabinet to reject him. Eventually the King’s Aunt, Maria, was selected as a compromise. Maria is the first Woman to serve as Regnant-Marshal.