Elise Hensler, Countess of Edla (b. La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, 1836 – d. 1929, Lisbon, Portugal) was a woman of great culture with a profound passion for the world of arts and letters. She was a professional opera singer. After studying in Paris and performing in Milan, Elise visited the Portuguese stages and appeared at the São João National Theatre in Oporto before then taking to the São Carlos National Theatre in Lisbon. It was on this latter stage that King Ferdinand II first saw and fell in love with her. In 1869, with King Luís I already on the throne, Ferdinand II and Elise married, united by their love for arts and culture. The ceremony took place after Ferdinand had requested his cousin, Duke Ernest II of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, bestow a title on his future wife: the Countess of Edla. The couple turned to Sintra, more specifically to the Park and Palace of Pena, properties owned by Ferdinand II as their refuge.
