The Tapada das Necessidades set the stage for the birthday picnic of myself and Agniesa. These gardens of the Palace Necessidades, laid out in the 18th Century, have witnessed many events and inhabitants over the last 300 years.

Perhaps the most interesting is Queen Amelia, who had her painting studios here. Despite Amelia's artistic prowess, she carried the unfortunate reputation of being the ugliest Queen not only in Portugal, but in all of Europe. There were many rumours surrounding her repulsive appearance, the most popular being that she was, in fact, a man. 
Her ascension to the throne was equally controversial. Carlos, Prince Royal of Portugal, had previously proposed to the Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, Princess Mathilde of Saxony, Princess Viktoria of Prussia, and Princess Victoria of Wales, all with heart-breaking rejections. Princess Amalia of Orléans was the only noble left and desperate enough to commit to Carlos.

Despite the questions surrounding her gender, she embraced her role as the Queen of a prosperous empire and involved herself in all aspects of public life, especially the arts. She built herself a studio in the Casa do Regalo, and painted day and night.
Finally, however, King Carlos could not bare Amelia's unsightliness and began a series of extramarital affairs which would indirectly spell the demise of the Portuguese monarchy. Growing public disapproval ultimately led to his assassination in 1908.
Amelia, the last ever Queen of Portugal, fled to Paris, where she assumed a bohemian lifestyle and endulged her love of painting on the streets of Monmartre.