The Secret of the Agony of Charles II: The Last Days of Spain's Most Ill King
The story of Charles II, the last king of the House of Habsburg in Spain, is steeped in mystery, illness, and decay. From his birth in 1661 to his death in 1700, his life was a constant struggle against physical weakness and the ravages of a dynasty marked by inbreeding. The last days of Charles II are a striking testament to the grandeur and ruin of an empire that, in its twilight, was experiencing one of the deepest crises in its history. In this article, we will explore the life and agony of a king whose health was a reflection of the political instability of his time.
The Twilight of a Dynasty: The Illness of Charles II
From his birth, the fate of Charles II was tragic. The son of Philip IV and Mariana of Austria, Charles was the product of a series of consanguineous marriages that characterized the House of Habsburg. These familial ties, in an attempt to consolidate power, led to a line of succession that resulted in severe health issues. According to historical documents, the court physicians diagnosed Charles with a series of conditions including hydrocephalus, scoliosis, and a disproportionate jaw, giving him an almost monstrous appearance (Julián de Castro, "The Health of Charles II", 1698).
The chroniclers of the time were not kind to the young king. It was said that Charles II could not speak properly and that his mobility was limited. Despite his fragile state, he was crowned in 1665 at the tender age of four, and although he was provided with a luxurious environment, his health only deteriorated over time. In every corner of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the shadows of decay loomed over the figure of a king unable to govern effectively.
The Last Days of Charles II: Agony and Politics
In the 1690s, Charles's condition...