Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu

Ferdinand was born in Almeirim on November 17th, 1433. In 1453, he received the title of 1st Duke of Beja from his brother, King Afonso V of Portugal.

He also inherited the title of Duke of Viseu when his uncle Henry the Navigator died in 1460, becoming then the 2nd Duke of Viseu. He also succeeded his uncle as Master of the Order of Aviz and responsible for the Discoveries (1460-1470).

He was twice Prince of Portugal (title attributed to the presumptive heir to the throne) first between 1438 and 1451, because his brother Afonso V of Portugal had no children. In 1451 Prince Joćo was born, but died months later. Fernando was then given the title of Prince of Portugal for a second time until the next year, when Alphonse's first daughter Princess Joana was born.

He married his cousin Beatrice of Portugal (Portuguese: Beatriz) in 1447, daughter of Infante Joćo, Lord of Reguengos (his uncle).

From that marriage Ferdinand had nine children:

• Infante Joćo of Viseu (1448-1472), 3rd Duke of Viseu, 2nd Duke of Beja, 6th general of the kingdom.
• Infante Diogo of Viseu (1450-1484), 4th Duke of Viseu, 3rd Duke of Beja.
• Infante Duarte of Viseu
• Infante Dinis of Viseu
• Infante Simćo of Viseu
• Infanta Leonor of Viseu (1458-1525), married John II of Portugal and became Queen of Portugal.
• Infanta Isabel of Viseu (1459-1521), married Ferdinand II, Duke of Braganza,
• Infante Manuel of Viseu, king of Portugal as Manuel I after the death of his cousin John II of Portugal.
• Infanta Catarina of Viseu

ca:Ferran de Portugal i d'Aragó es:Fernando de Avis it:Ferdinando d'Aviz nl:Ferdinand van Viseu pt:Fernando de Portugal, Duque de Viseu