[citation needed] On 9 January 1837 in the Augustinian Church in Vienna, Maria Theresa married Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies.

Queen Maria Theresa was described as badly dressed and did not answer to the ideal image of a regal person.

[citation needed] She disliked her public role and life at court, and preferred to confine herself in her private rooms dedicated to needlework and her children.

Maria Theresa was interested in politics; she is known to have acted as the king's advisor and to have influenced him to be strict, and when she could not be present at the reception of officials and wished to hear the conversation, she listened to the talk behind the door.

Francis was willing, and her authoritarian policy has been considered to contribute to the public discontent which led to the abolishment of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.