Maria Christina (1806–1878)

Spanish ruler of Italian origin. She was the fourth wife of Ferdinand VII of Spain. On his death she became regent for their daughter, Isabella II. In 1840 she was forced to abdicate, and fled to France.

She was the daughter of Francis I of Naples. Her abdication was as a result of Carlist disturbances, caused by supporters of the claims of the Spanish pretender Don Carlos de Bourbon (1788–1855) to the Spanish crown.