The episode of "A História Repete-Se" (History Repeats Itself) dedicated to Elise Hensler (1836-1929) traces the journey of this singular figure, who went from prima-donna at La Scala in Milan to royal consort. Elise Hensler was an opera singer of Swiss-American origin, whose international career took her to the major European stages of the 19th century.
The broadcast is conducted by Lourenço Pereira Coutinho and Margarida Magalhães Ramalho, who recall the life and trajectory of this woman who would come to radically change her social status. Her story contrasts markedly with that of a stage artist who attains the position of second wife of a king.
Elise Hensler married King D. Fernando II in a second marriage, that is, in a second marriage of the monarch. This union occurred thirteen years after the death of Queen D. Maria II, the first wife of King D. Fernando II, thus establishing the chronology of this royal marriage.
The episode thus explores the transformation of an international opera singer into a figure of Portuguese royalty, showing how the life of Elise Hensler crossed paths with the history of Portugal in an unexpected and remarkable way.
