Joao VI

(1767–1826) was King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. In 1807, France invaded Portugal. At the urging of Britain, the whole Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil. Their court in exile was established in Rio de Janeiro. In 1816, Joao became king of Portugal after his mother’s death, but he continued to reside in Brazil, which he had raised to the status of a kingdom in 1815. The dissatisfaction in Portugal as a result of this led to the peaceful revolution in 1820, and the proclamation of a constitutional government. Joao swore fidelity on his return to Portugal in 1821.