The First Lady of Chile () is the title for the wife of the president of Chile, who is traditionally responsible for directing and coordinating activities in the social field of the presidency and also accompany the president in ceremonies or official activities, for example, on state visit. Although not an official title, it is widely used in formal protocol and has been used in some decrees. History In colonial times, the wives of the royal governors (known also as "presidents") were called Presidentas. The title was still in use after Chile become a republic in the 19th century; the term, was slowly superseded by the newer First Lady, similar to the one used in other countries. Due to the complex evolution of the Head of State of Chile after the emancipation from Spain and the non-official character of the title, it is not possible to define who was the "first First Lady". Potential options include: María Nicolasa Valdés, wife of Mateo de Toro Zambrano, former Royal Governor and first President of the Government Junta (1810). Mercedes Fontecilla, wife of José Miguel Carrera, first Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army and president of the Provisional Government Junta (1811–1813) Isabel Riquelme, mother of Bernardo O'Higgins, first Supreme Director of Chile as an independent country (1818–1823). Carmen Gana, wife of Manuel Blanco Encalada, first President of the Republic of Chile (1826). During the 19th and early 20th century, the First Lady was considered one of the most influential figures of Chilean high society. As the wife of the President, the first ladies fulfilled the role as hostesses of ceremonies, especially after the President moved to the La Moneda Palace in 1845, and were in charge of the decoration of the presidential residences. Also, they participated in several charities and promoted different causes: Delfina de la Cruz and Emilia Márquez de la Plata, for example, organized events to support injured veterans, orphans and widowers caused by the War of the Pacific. In 1925, the First Lady had their own private office and staff, to support her role as the president of different charitable organizations created by the government. During the 20th century, the role of the First Lady increased, in line with the empowered role women had in politics and became more visible to the general public, not just for the high society. Juana Rosa Aguirre , wife of Pedro Aguirre Cerda (president between