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

Discover the fascinating and tumultuous history of **Philip IV** of Spain, a monarch whose dazzling court in Madrid concealed dark secrets of **lovers** and scandals. From his rise to the throne in 1621 to the final days of his reign in 1665, Philip IV was embroiled in romantic intrigues that not only altered his personal life but also influenced the politics and fate of a declining empire. This article unveils the hidden truths about the king's relationships with his lovers and how these affected the splendor of the **Austrian court**. Set against a backdrop of art, literature, and music, the story of Philip IV serves as a reminder that greatness can coexist with betrayal and scandal. Ready to explore the secrets of the most intriguing court in Spanish history? Don’t miss it!

November 30, 2025

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The Truth About Philip IV and His Royal Mistresses: The Scandals of the Habsburg Court

The reign of Philip IV of Spain (1621-1665) is a fascinating and turbulent chapter in the history of the House of Habsburg, marked by scandals, intrigues, and a display of power that paradoxically coexisted with an unavoidable decline. In this article, we uncover the hidden truths about Philip IV's mistresses and how these relationships affected the court, politics, and ultimately the fate of an empire in crisis.

The Splendor of the Court and the Shadow of Infidelity

During the early years of his reign, Philip IV enjoyed a spectacular court in Madrid, where art, literature, and music flourished. However, this grandeur was a veil that concealed deep scandals. Chroniclers of the time, such as the poet and playwright Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, were quick to speak of the king's infidelities, which became a recurring topic in the salons of the aristocracy. The first recognized mistress of Philip IV was Olivia de Borbón, a lady-in-waiting who became his lover in 1626, shortly after the death of his first wife, Isabel de Borbón. Their secret meetings reflected not only the king's desires but also the moral decay that was beginning to erode the foundations of the monarchy.

Moreover, the famous painter Diego Velázquez, who became the visual chronicler of the court, managed to portray both the grandeur and the shadows of his time. Velázquez's works, such as "Las Meninas" (1656), besides his artistic genius, contain subtle references to the complex familial and romantic relationships surrounding the king, hinting at the tensions that stirred the House of Habsburg.

Philip IV's Mistresses: Passions or Politics?

The list of Philip IV's mistresses is notable and varied...