In 1807, Napoleon invaded Portugal, hoping to force the kingdom into submission and break its centuries-old alliance with Britain.
But the Portuguese monarchy had other plans.
Rather than allowing Napoleon to capture the royal family and dictate Portugal's future, Prince Regent João orchestrated the transfer of the royal court to Brazil, protected by British naval power.
It was an extraordinary strategic decision. Portugal preserved its ruling dynasty, maintained its sovereignty, and established Rio de Janeiro as the new centre of its empire.
Meanwhile, Napoleon turned his attention to Spain, where the Bourbon monarchy was forced into abdication in 1808 and replaced by Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte.
The lesson? A crown's true strength lies not in where it sits, but in its ability to remain beyond the enemy's reach.
Portugal took its monarchy across an ocean and denied Napoleon his prize.
Spain, unfortunately, found itself with a Frenchman on the throne.