Princess Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (full Italian name: Maria Cristina Pia Anna Isabella Natalia Elisa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie) (24 December 1869, Rome – 28 March 1870, Rome) was the only child of King Francis II of the Two Sicilies and his wife, Maria Sophie of Bavaria.

Exiled to Rome (still under pontifical rule), the Bourbons-Two Sicilies needed to perpetuate their dying dynasty in the relatively likely scenario of a failure of the newborn (1861) Kingdom of Italy which struggled, in its early years under Savoy rule, to contain the foreign and rebellious south of the peninsula. Ever since fleeing the castle of Gaeta, where they had sought refuge, the sovereigns had looked at the current situation as a temporary one (much as it had been the case for their parents during the time of the Napoleonic empire).

Somewhat supported by other European reigning families, who had witnessed the Savoys quickly usurp the thrones of relatives close and distant, the Bourbons-Two Sicilies were well aware of the significance of a strong, healthy blood line to encourage former subjects to act against the Savoys — hence the pressure on Francis and Maria Sophie to conceive and procure a healthy heir designated.

However, King Francis had suffered since birth a malformation (most likely phimosis) which prevented him from consummating his marriage. His deeply religious and shy nature further hindered intimate contact with his wife.

Maria Sophie, after being patient for some time, finally gave free rein to her sensuality and began several extra-marital affairs. One of her lovers, the Belgian Count Armand de Lawayss, fathered a daughter with her. The pregnancy was kept well hidden by her mother Princess Ludovika of Bavaria and siblings to avoid a scandal, and after the birth, the child was whisked away to be raised by her paternal relatives. Marie Sophie never saw this child again.

Traveling continuously in an attempt to distract herself from a disappointing marriage, the young queen had many chances to meet new people (and new lovers) while spending time with her favourite sister, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who regularly sought escape from her unhappy marriage as well.

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