Commonly known as Juliana Balduino (nickname: “The Queen of Spain”), the Nationality of Juliana is not commonly acknowledged, but her contribution to the country of Spain is definitely considerable. Born in Ovilla, Balduino’s birthplace and birthright town, she lived for her entire life in the same region where she attained nationhood. Although born a citizen of the Republic of Spain, Juliana was never entitled to Spanish citizenship, nor did her marriage to the archduke of Burgundy save her from possible arrest for adultery, although she later said that she forgave him on several occasions. Regardless, Juliana was nevertheless a loyal Spanish national until the outbreak of the civil war; at the end of which time, she openly renounced her citizenship and joined the Republican forces against the fascistic cortijos.
The role of Juliana in the history of the country cannot be overemphasized. She played a key role in the institution of the constitution and the maintenance of freedom, liberties, and human rights; against the encroachment of absolutes of religion and political power, which were threatening to take over the country. Furthermore, in her role as a novelist, she produced some of her best-known works, including “A Woman of Leisure” and “The Adventure of Irene.” While Juliana repeatedly voiced her opposition to the intellectual enrichment of the king and his ruling house, she remained a dedicated and active supporter of the Spanish republic. She refused to accept the offer of the crown until after she had completed her book “My Dearest Spain,” which she intended to launch after her marriage to Joao. Consequently, it is clear that the Nationality of Juliana played an important part in the establishment of the Republic, and the very foundations of its existence as a nation.
After the death of King Felipe, the government of the Republic signed a treaty with her husband Joao to settle the issue of her nationality. The couple agreed that Juliana would become a citizen of the republic, and that her marriage certificate would be nullified if she ever marries another Spanish national or carries out activities aimed at usurping the powers of the government. However, the same year the Nationality Law was formally abolished. It is now believed that this act may have encouraged some Spaniards to attempt to claim the throne for themselves, leading to the Civil War.