The early death of a teenaged heir to the throne often leads to some uncomfortable comparisons of "what might have been" for the spare that takes their place. But given that Afonso was imprisoned by his younger brother Pedro, it could be said that Teodosio of Braganza really was a loss to his kingdom.

The nobleman's son

At his birth in 1634 Teodosio was not really in line for the throne. Technically the house of Braganza, Portugal's wealthiest family, was royal. But it was through an illegitimate line. So when the late King Enrique had died without a legitimate male heir (he was a former Cardinal and the Pope had given him permission to take the crown but not a wife) the usual undignified squabble had boiled down to one key point - did an illegitimate male line have a better claim than a legitimate female line?

Ultimately it was decided that legitimacy did indeed count for more. Which meant that King Philip II of Spain (who had formerly been King of England) was also declared King of Portugal, and the Iberian peninsula was united. But after a while being ruled from Spain became less and less appealing, and the Portuguese began to look fondly on the idea of being ruled by one of their own. In particular they looked to Joao of Braganza, Teodosio's father.

Teodosio himself would have been ignorant of this at first. His early life would have been the same as other boys of his rank. A nursery where he was looked after by dedicated servants, regular visits from his parents, and expansion as siblings began to join him. Joana, Catarina, Manuel, Afonso and Pedro all followed in the subsequent 14 years, although Manuel sadly died shortly after birth.

Prince of Brazil

Teodosio was just five the family went from illegitimate royalty to full royalty. His father Joao became King Joao IV and the family moved from their estate at Vila Vicosa to Lisbon. Teodosio was given a suitably royal education, with tutors appointed to teach him a variety of subjects including philosophy and mathematics. He was fluent in Portuguese and Castilian (his mother's native language), and now added Greek, Latin and Italian to his accomplishments. He enjoyed astrology and science, and was a deeply pious young man who spent several hours a day at worship. His accomplishments made him a popular figure at court and with the people.

Joao wanted his heir to be acknowledged with his own title, as the English had Prince of Wales and the Spanish had Prince of Asturias. Ultimately he settled on Prince of Brazil, after Portugal's largest and wealthiest colony, and passed on his former title of Duke of Braganza for good measure.

But the Ducal title wasn't the only one Joao wanted to pass on. He was a somewhat reluctant monarch who had half claimed the throne and half been pushed onto it. The split from Spain had caused diplomatic headaches, the country was far from secure and Portugal needed powerful allies. In one attempt to win friends and influence people Joao approached the French court with a proposal. Teodosio would be married to one of the nieces of King Louis XIII, and shortly after the wedding Joao would abdicate making his son and new daughter-in-law the new King and Queen of Portugal.

The negotiations went on for four years but no one seems to have taken the abdication proposal particularly seriously. Joao continued to be King and his son continued in his education.

The English question

Portugal's shortage of friends was not helped by the political situation in England. King Charles I had been removed from the throne and the Commonwealth that replaced him was suspicious of all Catholic countries, not helped by the Portguese ambassador smuggling messages between Charles and his wife before his death.

But Joao was wary of making even more enemies when Spain was still causing problems on his borders. So when Rupert and Maurice, German-born nephews of the late English King, arrived in the country he was reluctant to do more than welcome them. For Teodosio on the other hand, the pair were figures to emulate. Rupert in particular was already a respected commander as well as a handsome and charming individual.

At fourteen Teodosio was just the right age for a bit of hero worship. His voice was one of several that implored Joao to do more than just welcome the young men and take them out hunting. King Charles had been brutally murdered and it was only right that Portugal ally with his nephews. In the end Joao was too nervous of making even more enemies and so he trod a tightrope, but his son was already showing how policy could look when his turn came.

Three years later Teodosio had his own chance at some military glamour. Whether it was normal teenage rebellion or a burning inspiration that had remained with him after Rupert and Maurice left, the seventeen year old prince was keen to see action. Despite being forbidden from joining the army Teodosio did just that, escaping the palace to join his father's forces at Alentejo. He didn't witness much before he was persuaded to return, but it showed people that their future King was keen to be a more active and aggressive figure than his father.

The loss of a golden future

All the popularity in the world could not save Teodosio. In 1652 he began to show signs of tuberculosis and soon succumbed to the illness. His death on 15th May 1653 plunged the whole of Portugal into mourning. Like other heirs before him the people mourned what might have been.

The reflections were not helped by the remaining heirs. Afonso became King aged 13, his mother's regency ended up being extended as he was considered too mentally unstable to rule. After rebelling against his mother and confining her in a convent, Afonso himself ended up being imprisoned by his younger brother Pedro. When Afonso died at the age of 40 Pedro was declared King.

Over fifty years after Teodosio's death, his sister Catherine died. She had been Queen of England as the childless wife of King Charles II, and regent of Portugal on behalf of her nephew. On her death it was revealed that the final resting place she had chosen was next to Teodosio, the promising brother she had never forgotten.