I, too, had a basically positive view of M-C, thanks to Theo Aronson, who characterized her as a dignified and reserved person -- but otherwise self-effacing and good at heart: as such, in due time she came to live in complete harmony with her daughter-in-law. Previous Message
The Queen-Mother is pictured in the series as a very harsh woman.
As I said before, she opposed to Alfonso's choice on two grounds:
1. the fact that her grand-mother was a mere countess (mere snobbery).
2. The suspition she might be a haemophilia carrier (quite reasonable).
When that suspition prooved correct, she antagonized Ena as much as she could.
I had a different idea of M-C, thinking she was a more kind lady.
But apparently she wore the trousers at the Royal Palace and Alfonso only defied her on the bride's choice.
Another question:
What was M-C grudge against Emperess Eugenie (apart from being Ena's god-mother and having pulled the right ropes for Ena to have become Queen of Spain) ?
Lack of pedigree ?
When asked if Eugénie would be invited for the wedding, Maria Cristina replied "Over my dead body"
Isabel II seemed to have been in good terms with Eugénie and there were even plans to marry one of the Infantas to Eugénie's son.
Did Alfonso XII shared her mother's feelings towards Eugénie ?
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