When the Portuguese Royal Family fled to Brazil in 1808 who was left to govern the country?

by bcJonesy

I have scoured the internet for this point of Portugal's history but I can only find reference to the Peninsular War and what the armed forces were doing.

Was the there a steward? Or was it left to a few courtiers/lords left behind?

I know their army was pretty much put under the command of the British but who was there to sanction these kind of actions and surely someone worked closely with the British in Lisbon?

This is a rather detailed add on question but where would this de facto government be based? In the royal palace?

Souljacker

Portugal was administered by the "Governo de Regência", created by D. João just before the court was transferred to Brazil (November 26th, 1807).

The first formation ruled until February the 1rst, when Junot extinguished it. Its formation was:

  • Pedro de Lancastre da Silveira Castelo Branco Sá e Meneses, Marquês de Abrantes, president;
  • Francisco de Melo da Cunha de Mendonça e Meneses, 1º Marquês de Olhão, Army General;
  • Principal Castro,
  • Pedro de Mello Breyner
  • D. Francisco de Noronha
  • 2.º Conde de Sampaio, first secretary
  • Miguel Pereira Forjaz
  • João António Salter de Mendonça

After the French were expelled, in September of the same year, the Governo de Regência was formed again, this time with the following composition:

  • D. António José de Castro
  • Marquês de Minas, D. Francisco de Noronha, Marquês Monteiro-mór Francisco de Melo da Cunha de Mendonça e Meneses e Francisco da Cunha e Meneses
  • D. Miguel Pereira Forjaz,
  • João António Salter de Mendonça
  • Cipriano Ribeiro Freire

The Governo de Regência ruled until 1820, when it was dissolved and substituted by a Provisional Government.

Despite that, it's well accepted that Lord Beresford, formaly in command of the Army, was the de fact regent of Portugal during this period.