Background
The eldest daughter of Rodrigo Anes de Sá Almeida e Menezes, 1st Marquis of Abrantes and 7th Count of Penaguião, she adopted the surname "de Lorena" after a maternal great-grandfather, François-Louis de Lorraine.
The eldest daughter of Rodrigo Anes de Sá Almeida e Menezes, 1st Marquis of Abrantes and 7th Count of Penaguião, she adopted the surname "de Lorena" after a maternal great-grandfather, François-Louis de Lorraine.
By Royal Decree of King Joseph I of Portugal of 9 December 1753, she was created Duchess of Abrantes vitalício upon her appointment as The Queen"s Maid of Honour (in Portuguese Camareira-Môr), the highest court position for a lady. She inherited her family estates and honours three years later, upon her brother"s death. Duquesa Ana Maria married Dom Rodrigo de Mello (1688–1713), second child of Nuno Álvares Pereira de Mello, 1st Duke of Cadaval.