Empress Catherine of Central Africa

Catherine
Catherine Denguiadé on the day of her coronation, 1977 © Philippe Ledru/AKG-Images.
Empress consort of Central Africa
Tenure4 December 1976 – 21 September 1979
Coronation4 December 1977
First Lady of the Central African Republic
In role1 January 1966 – 4 December 1976 (1966-01-01 – 1976-12-04)
PredecessorBrigette Dacko
SuccessorHerself (as Empress)
Born7 August 1949 (1949-08-07) (age 76)
Sarh, French Chad (now Chad)
SpouseJean-Bédel Bokassa
IssueJean-Bédel Bokassa Jr.
FatherM. Denguiadé
MotherLucienne Tabedje (born in French Chad)

Catherine (born Catherine Martine Denguiadé, later Bokassa, 7 August 1949) is the former Empress of Central Africa. She is also a member of the deposed House of Bokassa and widow of its former head, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, who reigned as Emperor of Central Africa from 1976–1979. She was one of several wives of Emperor Bokassa but she became the Empress when he created the Central African Empire. Her son was chosen as his heir apparent.