José, Prince of Brazil

Joseph of Braganza, Prince of Brazil KGF (full name: José Francisco Xavier de Paula Domingos António Agostinho Anastácio de Bragança, pron. IPA []), (August 20 1761 - September 11 1788), was Duke of Braganza, Prince of Beira, Prince of Brazil and heir apparent to the throne of Portugal as the oldest son of Queen Maria I of Portugal and her King consort Peter III of Portugal.

Joseph was born at the Palace of Ajuda near Lisbon. His grandfather created him Prince of Beira, this being the first time when the title was given to a male. He was the heir apparent of his mother Maria, the then Princess of Brazil and proclaimed heiress of the crown.

On February 21 1777, when he was 15 years old, he married his 30-year-old aunt Maria Francisca Benedita. They had no children. Three days after their wedding, Jose's grandfather and Benedita's father the old king Joseph died, and his mother succeeded as queen regnant. Infante José became the new crown prince, being accorded the titles Prince of Brazil and 16th Duke of Braganza.

Joseph died at the age of 27 of smallpox. Upon Joseph's death, his younger brother John became heir to the throne and the new Prince of Brazil.

Joseph is buried in the national pantheon at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon.

José, Príncipe do Brasil