The Cursed King: Charles II, The Bewitched, and His Tragic Legacy
At the heart of a Europe filled with political intrigues and dangerous alliances stands the figure of Charles II of Spain, nicknamed The Bewitched. Born on November 6, 1661, this monarch became an icon of the decline of the House of Habsburg, a dynasty that had dominated the European continent with unparalleled grandeur. But what led this king to become a shadow of the glory that once was his family? The answer is steeped in tragedies, palace secrets, and genetic issues that marked the destiny of Spain.
A Childhood Marked by Pain
From his early years, Charles II's life was marked by a series of misfortunes. At the age of four, he became motherless when his mother, Maria Ana of Austria, passed away in 1665. His father, Philip IV, faced not only the death of his wife but also the pressure of maintaining a declining empire. The loss of his mother left young Charles with profound emotional issues, a fact that contemporary chroniclers did not hesitate to document.
Charles II's health problems were evident from childhood. As he grew, his physical issues began to exacerbate, leading the court physicians to speculate about his future. It was often mentioned that Charles II could barely speak and that his mobility was limited. These symptoms were later identified as a consequence of the inbreeding that characterized the Habsburg family, notoriously marked by the practice of marrying close relatives to preserve their lineage.
A Powerless Monarch: The Ruin of His Reign
On September 17, 1665, Charles II was proclaimed king, although his uncle, John Joseph of Austria, acted as regent due to his immaturity. During his reign, which extended until 1700, Spain was plunged into an economic crisis...