The Iturbides originated from minor Spanish nobility of Basque descent, who came to Mexico in the mid-18th century.
In 1823, during the last days of the Mexican Empire, Juana was the sixth in line to the throne, after her four brothers and elder sister.
Her father abdicated his throne after less than 10 months reign and the royal family was exiled from Mexico.
On May 11, 1823, the royal family and some servants boarded the English ship "Rawlins", bound for Livorno, Italy.
[3] The Dowager-Empress Ana Maria moved her family, including Juana, to the United States.