The Secret of Charles II: The Last Habsburg Who Could Not Have Children
In the twilight of the House of Habsburg, the figure of Charles II, known as The Bewitched, stands as a symbol of tragedy and decline. This last Spanish Habsburg, who reigned from 1665 to 1700, was not only a monarch marked by physical and mental weakness, but he also became the epicenter of a dynastic drama that would change the course of Europe. Without heirs and with a legacy in jeopardy, the story of Charles II is filled with political intrigues, court secrets, and a fate sealed by genetics.
The Greatness of the House of Habsburg
Before delving into the grim existence of Charles II, it is essential to remember the greatness of the House of Habsburg, which had dominated much of Europe for over two centuries. From the arrival of Ferdinand II of Habsburg to the Spanish throne in 1516, the dynasty rapidly expanded, accumulating territories that spanned from Spain to the Netherlands, including the Holy Roman Empire. However, the immense power of the House of Habsburg brought with it a curse, a series of consanguineous marriages aimed at preserving the purity of blood that ultimately led to devastating consequences.
The tendency to marry within the family was a political strategy that resulted in a buildup of diseases and genetic weaknesses. This would become evident in the figure of Charles II, the last Spanish Habsburg, whose life was a true calvary. Born on November 6, 1661, in the Royal Palace of Madrid, his health problems were apparent from his earliest days. By the age of 35, his body and mind were a reflection of the decline of his family.
The Curse of Consanguinity
Charles II was not merely an unfortunate king; his life is a sad reminder of the consequences of…