Maria Patricia di Sanudo, Duchess of Samos

**Birth and Childhood**

## Maria Patricia di Sanudo

### Secondary Titles

Dame du Samos, Grandaughter of Angelo IX of the Archipelago, Goddaughter to Principissa Epirotarum

## Biography

### Spouse

Philippus VI, Duc of Samos

Maria Patricia was born in 1660, as the fourth child, and first daughter of Angelo Francis de Sanudo, and Maria Philomena de La Roche the heirs to the Duchy of Archipelago. She is also the eldest granddaughter of Angelo IX, Duc de Archipelago.

Maria Patricia’s birth went by smoothly, and she was bestowed the title of Dame de Sanudo. Yet she was born an unhealthy baby, therefore an emergency baptism took place. Where members of the Imperial Family, and of the high court were present. Due to her grandfathers high rank at court, Principissa Epirotarum became Maria Patricia’s godmother. Unfortunately, due to the lack of faith in Maria Patricia’s survival, a godfather was not chosen, although it is said le Duc de Aulons was offered to be her godfather, to which he declined.

Maria Patricia’s first months, were taken under the care of multiple Nannie’s, and maids who ensured to improve the health of the baby. Considering, the family needed a female, in order to extend its influence, Maria Patricia was held in high regard. Not to mention, Maria Patricia’s parents had trouble in fathering any women, adding more value to her life. Due to this fact, Maria Patricia was coddled, and overprotected as a baby. Fortunately enough, the care payed off, since many doubted she would live to the age of 1, to which she did.

Maria Patricia flourished to become an enchanting child, ever since she was small she enjoyed bonding with her siblings, and was always connected to nature. Unfortunately, her siblings were all she had, due to the fact her parents and elder family members were away at court. To which she was too young to attend to. Therefore, her parents commissioned a portrait of Maria Patricia along with her eldest Brother, The Former Comes de Sifnos to be sent to Constantinople.

The rest of her childhood was marked by one big misfortune, which was the loss of her eldest brother. Maria Patricia was 8 when her brother, aged 10 passed away.

Throughout her childhood, many other siblings were born, none being female. Of course, being the only woman out of her siblings, she received a more private education. To which she was given the Comtissa Morae, as her governess. She was taught the skills of art, music, needlework, and writing. Yet, above all, Maria Patricia excelled in the arts and in music. She adored to play for her family in private and even for herself. She grew to be fond of music, and became a skilled student.

**Teenage Years**

Maria Patricia transformed into a young, elegant, and beautiful lady. During these years her education was brought to a different level. In which she was taught how to be a good wife, and what her purpose as wife was, she was also taught the art of socializing, and was shown the social hierarchy in order for her to impress when she was to arrive at court.

Once her education was finished, her next step was to find a good husband. Therefore, her mother commissioned yet another portrait before she was to go to court.

*Maria Patricia at 14 years old, c. 1674*

**‘Teenage Years at Court**

As her mother had hoped, the portrait turned out to be a success. This portrait, was seen as her first time being showed to society, and the the nobility in general. Due to the fact, her grandfather was one of the most powerful men in the realm, Maria Patricia was one of the first on the list of many Debutantes. Three months after the release of the portrait, Maria Patricia was taken to Constantinople, to be introduced to the court. This was the beginning of her courtly life.

As soon as she arrived at court, she was not seen as anything else yet another Dame, looking to earn favor. Of course, Maria Patricia was educated for this sort of life, but she had never experienced it. Due to the fact, she was unfamiliar with court, she felt overwhelmed, and oftenly isolated herself in her families apartments at the Imperial Palace. She came off to be a rather shy, individual. As expected, the first season had not turned out to be as good as expected for Maria Patricia.

Fortunately enough, Maria Patricia was able to get herself back on her feet. It was not only after her second year at court, where she flourished. Somehow, Maria Patricia, got used to the customs of court. This was thanks to the fact that Maria Patricia’s mother, had begun to host multiple events, to which many esteemed members of the court attended. Her grandfather was also able to secure a way for his granddaughter, Maria Patricia a way into one of the Imperials Households. Aside from that, she was able to secure connections with members of the high nobility. In other words, it was in 1665, two years after arriving at court. Where Maria Patricia showed her charms, and enchantments to the court,

Of course, a lady with beauty, good connections, terrific background, wealth, good family, and above all a good dowry. It would not be a surprise, marriage proposals would soon be arriving. Maria Patricia, caught the eye of multiple men, and noble families, yet the family that was most intrigued was the Ducal House of Samos. After careful consideration, the marriage had become official.

**Married Life**

Maria Patricia married, Philippus VI, Duc de Samos in 1675. Maria Patricia showed great interest in the marriage to which she became a devoted, kind, loving, and in general a good wife. The now, Duchesse de Samos, was charmed with her new life, along with the new title many other additions came. She was able to gain entry into the Empresses household, make several new connections, and was able to rise in the ranks at court.

During the first year of the marriage, Philippus lived his life isolated from his wife, where he merely saw her, and when physical contact was done when only necessary. Alas, since Philippus did not show great interest in the marriage during the first year, it remained unconsummated. Of course, Maria Patricia had the total opposite idea, she was eager to create an heir, enhance in a romantic relationship, and create good marital bonds as Husband and Wife.

It was not only until the second year, where Philippus drew close to Maria Patricia. This was thanks to the fact, he spent more time at court, where his wife was mostly present. Thankfully enough, Philippus had done the deed, and Maria Patricia was officially pregnant.

**1st Pregnancy**

When it was announced Maria Patricia was officially pregnant, Philippus VI grew even closer to his wife. Philippus grew to become a loving father to his wife, and future child, and was very overprotective. Considering, Maria Patricia was only 16 years old at the time of the pregnancy, and she obviously lacked no experience. The first pregnancy was rather harsh on her, if it wouldn’t be because of the help of her now caring husband, chambermaids, and other friends. It was most likely the baby would have fallen ill.

During the first 5 months of the pregnancy, Maria Patricia had remained at court. Where she still carried her duties as Damme d’Honneur to the Imperatrice. Of course, her work load was different, yet she still tried her best to surprise the empress, in all kinds of forms. She obviously continued hosting multiple events, and entertained her guests while she was pregnant. This became a famous factor, which showed Maria Patricia’s strength, and duty to the empire.

Not long after the 5th month, Maria Patricia was needing to excuse herself often from her own events, and from salons, soirées, and other courtly engagements due to health reasons. She was oftenly sick, tired, and was mostly in bed. Due to these facts, the court physician ordered for her to take the pregnancy leave.

Alas, Maria Patricia left court and retired to The Ducal Chateau of Samos, where she spent her days unwinding herself in the vast, and luxurious halls of the Ducal Court. During the rest months of her pregnancy, she overspent a large sum of money on multiple large renovations and additions to the ducal chateau.

As the months passed by, Maria Patricia was expected to give birth anytime soon. Therefore, she was kept under the care of her uncle-in-law The Bishop