Princess Veronica

**Mother** | Gloria Perez Marcos

**Veronica** (born **Veronica Marcos Buenaventura**; 18 July 1959) is the wife of Prince Francis and a member of the Hawaiian royal family. As her husband is expected to become king of Hawaii, she is expected to be a future queen consort.

Born in the Philippines, Veronica immigrated to Hawaii with her family at age six, and settled in Pearl City. She graduated from Pearl City High School in 1977, and afterwards enrolled in the University of Hawaii, Manoa to study nursing, graduating with a nursing degree in 1981. She worked as a pediatric nurse in a private practice for three years, until leaving her nursing career to prioritize her royal duties.

Veronica married her university sweetheart Prince Francis in 1984, becoming the first immigrant, Filipino, Roman Catholic, non-Native Hawaiian, and commoner to marry into the Hawaiian royal family. They have two children together: Michael (born 1986) and Lucy (born 1988).

## Early life

Veronica was born on 18 July 1959 in Legazpi, Albay in the Philippines to parents Ernesto Buenaventura (1930–2005) and Gloria Marcos (1932–2009). Her father was a laborer, while her mother was a nail technician. Veronica was raised speaking Bicolano, Filipino, and English. She is the fourth of five children; her siblings include Bea (1952–1979), Tomas (born 1954), Lea (born 1957), and Boris (born 1961). Bea died of breast cancer in 1979, aged 27.

In 1965, when Veronica was six years old, the family left the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaii. They resided in Honolulu for six months, until they settled in Pearl City. Veronica grew up in a working-class household, and shared a bedroom with both of her sisters growing up. She was raised devoutly Roman Catholic.

## Youth and education

Veronica began her education in 1965, upon arriving in Hawaii. She enrolled in a public elementary school in Honolulu, until moving to Pearl City five months afterwards, and transferring to a public school there. While in school, Veronica was said to be a "kind and compassionate young girl." She enrolled in Pearl City High School in 1973, where she was an honors student, and graduated in 1977. The family naturalized as Hawaiian citizens in 1975.

After graduating from high school, Veronica enrolled in the University of Hawaii, Manoa, studying nursing. She later graduated with a nursing degree in 1981, and became licensed as a registered nurse. She found employment as a pediatric nurse at a private practice pediatrician's office, where she worked until 1984.

## Marriage and family

Veronica became introduced to Prince Francis in 1978, while both attended a party near the University of Hawaii, Manoa, where they were both students. They soon began a romantic relationship, later becoming engaged in 1982. The couple married in a royal wedding on 14 April 1984.

Following the marriage, Buenaventura became styled as *Her Royal Highness* Princess Veronica, becoming the first immigrant, Filipino, Roman Catholic, non-Native Hawaiian, and commoner to marry into the Hawaiian royal family. The marriage became controversial in Hawaii, due to Veronica not resembling the typical Hawaiian royal; due to this, she instantly became a celebrity and polarizing figure, being hailed as a hero by the Filipino-Hawaiian community and younger generation, while receiving criticism from some Native Hawaiians and traditional conservatives.

After marrying, Veronica and Francis moved into Maluhia House on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace, the home that Francis spent one year of his early life in and where his mother was raised.

Veronica and Francis have two children together:

* Prince *Michael* John Mateo Makana (born 3 July 1986)
* Princess *Lucy* Alexandria Bea Gloria Kahalaomāpuana (born 30 December 1988)

## Titles

Following her 1984 marriage, Veronica became styled as *Her Royal Highness* Princess Veronica.

* **14 April 1984 – present**: *Her Royal Highness* Princess Veronica