The secret of Philip IV and the royal mistresses: the scandals of the Habsburg court.

Discover the dark secrets of Philip IV, the monarch who reigned at both the height and the decline of the Habsburg court. In this fascinating article, we explore the love life of the King of Spain (1621-1665), where mistresses and scandals intertwine in a tale full of intrigue and power. Philip IV, son of Philip III and Margaret of Austria, not only faced wars and internal crises but also found himself immersed in a world of lust and secrets that defined his legacy. From hidden passions to political ramifications, the court of Philip IV was a stage where morality blurred. What lies behind his mistresses, and how did they affect his reign? Don’t miss this journey to the heart of the history of one of the most intriguing eras of the Hispanic Monarchy! Read more and delve into the royal scandal that marked an era.

November 30, 2025

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The Secret of Philip IV and the Royal Mistresses: The Scandals of the Habsburg Court

The court of Philip IV was a stage where grandeur and decadence intertwined, a space where the scandals of the nobility and political intrigues danced to the rhythm of a declining power. During his reign (1621-1665), the King of Spain had to contend not only with internal problems and external wars but also found himself ensnared in a web of mistresses and secrets that marked his legacy. This article unveils the dark and fascinating aspects of Philip IV's love life, in a period where morality blurred amidst luxury and power.

The Grandeur of a Monarch

Philip IV, son of Philip III and Margaret of Austria, ascended to the throne at a critical moment for the Spanish Monarchy. With control over vast territories in Europe and the Americas, Philip IV was a king who, despite adversities, sought to maintain the image of an absolute monarch. The court in Madrid became a center of culture, art, and politics, where artists like Diego Velázquez and playwrights like Calderón de la Barca flourished.

However, beneath the surface of this palatial grandeur, Philip IV's personal life was riddled with intrigue. According to chronicles of the time, the king's mistresses were not only objects of desire but also key players in a political chess game where passion and power intertwined. Philip IV's extramarital affairs were so notorious that they became a common topic of conversation in the salons of the court and the streets of Madrid.

The Hidden Mistresses of Philip IV

One of Philip IV's most famous mistresses was the beautiful María de Ágreda, a mystic who, according to rumors, had a special spiritual connection with the king. Documents hi