She was a daughter of Infante Francisco de Paula and his first wife, Princess Luisa Carlotta of the Two Sicilies.

Josefa’s marriage to José Güell y Renté in 1848 caused Queen Isabella II of Spain to exile her.

Her spouse made a political career and she herself was known as a supporter of the progressive forces during the Spanish Revolution of 1854.

On 4 June 1848, Josefa married morganatically to poet José Güell y Renté.

[2] When word spread of her marriage to José, Queen Isabella II of Spain exiled her from the royal court.