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Hello all. I am currently planning a TL that has James III & VIII aka the Old Pretender/King over the Water, restored to the throne in 1714. I won't get into details and if anyone wishes to read the planes the link to the discussion is here:http://www.gateway.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=266798 The discussion for a restoration is on the 2nd page onwards

My main problem I'm having is possible brides for James and husbands for Louisa. For James I've found many possibles but the main stumbling block I'm having is religion. Surprisingly not James's but his bride. Would a Catholic bride be acceptable or no? Here's a list of possibles I found

Princess Charlotte Amalie of Denmark
Sisters Archduchesses Maria Josepha and Maria Amalia
Princess Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden
Infanta Francisca Josefa of Portugal
Sisters Marie Louise Élisabeth,Charlotte Aglaé and Louise Adélaïde d'Orléans

Only two protestants and for Charlotte Amalie I feel she's much to young (8 in 1714 so a least 5-6 years before the marriage would take place)

Ulrika Eleonora would be a good choice but she's the Heiress to Sweden and IDK if James and his government would want to risk getting involved with the Northern War and a possible personal union with Sweden. Plus she's a bit old (25-26 in 1714) so I'm not sure if that would through her out or not.

The Infanta would make a good pick with the traditional alliance between England and Portugal but sense the last Portuguese Infanta was barren I feel such a marriage would be met with reluctance.

The Archduchesses would probably be the best pick. Besides the Netherlands Austria was Britain's closest continental ally. Plus it could bring trade rights in the Austrian Netherlands.

The French girls would bring the biggest Dowry but on the other hand would meet the biggest push back. After all France was at this point Britain's essentially mortal enemy. Though the marriage is delayed until after the War of the Quadruple alliance starts there could, could mind you, be an opportunity.


As for Louisa I'm not sure what would be better and make more sense: a powerful foreign match: ie Philip V of Spain or Charles XII of Sweden or a minor match that would keep her at home, like her half-sister Anne and her husband George of Denmark.

Any help and suggestions on this issue would be much appreciated.
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