The preserved heart of the Portuguese monarch who declared Brazil's independence from his country 200 years ago arrived in Brasilia, where it was received with a military honor for a state leader at the beginning of the bicentennial celebrations of independence.

The heart, preserved in formaldehyde inside a glass container in a golden urn, arrived yesterday Tuesday at the presidential palace in a Rolls-Royce convertible surrounded by guards in colorful outfits and was greeted by President Jair Bolsonaro, while Air Force planes flew in the sky.

The heart of Dom Pedro I has been preserved in a church in the Portuguese city of Porto since his death in Portugal in 1834. It was decided to loan it for three weeks to Brazil, where it will be displayed as part of the independence anniversary celebrations.

Pedro declared Brazil's independence in 1822 and was crowned "Emperor" of Brazil after his father King João VI returned to Portugal following the restoration of European monarchies after Napoleon's defeat.

Although Pedro returned to Portugal after nine years, his declaration of independence on September 7, 1822 was welcomed by Brazilian nationalists as the birth of their country.

In a brief speech, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said, "Two countries united in history and linked by a heart. Two hundred years of independence."

Some accused Bolsonaro, who is seeking re-election in the October elections, of exploiting this preserved relic to support his political movement on Independence Day, when he plans to hold electoral rallies.