Transfer of the Portuguese Court to Brazil

As Junot’s army approached Lisbon in November 1807, the Portuguese royal family, government and thousands of courtiers embarked for Brazil under British naval protection.

The transfer preserved the Braganza monarchy and shifted the centre of the Portuguese Empire to Rio de Janeiro. It also left Portugal under occupation and contributed to the outbreak of the Peninsular War.

Persephone places Kydd amid the evacuation and then follows the political and personal consequences of a mission in which naval protection determines the survival of a dynasty.