Adulthood Prince Luís of Orléans-Braganza (1878–1920)

from left right: luís; pedro henrique, prince of grand pará; isabel, de jure empress of brazil; princess pia maria; princess maria pia; gaston d orléans, count of eu , prince luís gastão

after returned france in 1907 planned ambitious project defy decree banishing imperial family brazil travelling rio de janeiro. sudden arrival, discussed in newspapers, created uproar in old imperial capital. caused difficulties brazilian politicians placing imperial family @ center of attention , many brazilians went welcome him. however, luís prevented disembarking , not allowed set foot on native land republican government. nonetheless, sent mother telegram saying: hindered of disembarking government, greet redeemer of slaves on bay of guanabara in eve of may 13. time later wrote experiences on trip in book under southern cross (sob o cruzeiro sul) published in 1913.

luís became engaged cousin maria pia of bourbon-two sicilies, granddaughter of brother of luís s maternal grandmother, teresa cristina. meanwhile, brother pedro, heir isabel, desired marry elizabeth dobržensky. mother disapproved of marriage because elizabeth part of minor nobility rather royalty. isabel agreed accept marriage condition pedro renounce position heir. pedro had no interest in becoming emperor , renounced rights succession on 30 october 1908.

i prince pedro de alcântara luís filipe maria gastão miguel gabriel rafael gonzaga of orléans , braganza, having maturely reflected, have resolved renounce right that, constitution of empire of brazil, promulgated on march 25, 1824, accords me crown of nation. declare, therefore, free , spontaneous hereby renounce, in own name, , of descendants, , rights aforesaid constitution confers upon brazilian crown , throne, shall pass lines follow mine, conforming order of succession established article 117. before god promise, myself , descendants, hold present declaration.

cannes october 30, 1908 signed: pedro de alcântara of orléans-braganza

this renunciation followed letter isabel royalists in brazil:

november 9, 1908, [castle of] eu

most excellent gentlemen members of monarchist directory,

with heart thank congratulations upon marriages of dear children pedro , luís. luís took place in cannes on day 4 brilliance desired solemn act in life of successor throne of brazil. pleased. pedro s shall take place next on day 14. before marriage of luís signed resignation crown of brazil, , here send you, while keeping here identical copy. believe news must published possible (you gentlemen shall in way judge more satisfactory) in order prevent formation of parties great evil our country. pedro continue love homeland, , give possible support brother. thank god united. luís engage actively in respect monarchy , our land. however, without giving rights want date on may prepare himself position heart desire 1 day hold. may write him many times may want shall informed of everything. strength not same once was, heart still same love homeland , dedicated us. give friendship , confidence,

the marriage of luís , maria pia celebrated on 4 november @ cannes, , of pedro , elizabeth ten days later @ versailles. union of luís , maria pia 3 children born: pedro henrique, became direct successor princess isabel , head of imperial house of brazil after death in 1921; luís gastão, , pia maria. isabel did not take long reveal opinion grandchildren , wrote in letter in 1914: sending enclosed photograph of myself grandchildren luís. pedro henrique growing continually , intelligent child. grandparents have particular love darling little grandchildren.