Grandchildren of Emperor Agustín were adopted by Maximilian I of Mexico (1864–67), who had no biological children, and granted some status in the ephemeral Second Mexican Empire.

[9][10][11] On 11 May 1823, the ex-emperor boarded the British ship Rawlins, en route to Livorno, Italy (then part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany,[3] accompanied by his wife, children and some servants.

When he was exiled, Iturbide was given a government pension, but Congress also declared him a traitor and "outside of the law", to be killed if he ever returned to Mexico.

[6] He continued to receive reports from Mexico, as well as advice from supporters, that if he returned, he would be hailed as a liberator and a potential leader against the Spanish invasion.

[6] Iturbide sent word to congress in Mexico City on 13 February 1824 offering his services in the event of a Spanish attack.

They were initially greeted enthusiastically, but soon they were arrested and escorted by General Felipe de la Garza, the local military commander, to the nearby village of Padilla.

[14] Agustín and Salvador were each granted the vitalicio[15] (meaning non-hereditary) title of Prince de Iturbide and style of Highness by imperial decree and followed in rank after the reigning family.