The secret of Carlos II and the will: how he chose a French king to succeed him.

Discover the intriguing secret of Charles II, the last king of the House of Habsburg, and his shocking will that named Philip V, a French king, as his successor. This bold act not only surprised the Spanish court but also unleashed the feared War of Spanish Succession, altering the fate of Europe forever. In this article, we unveil how the life marked by illness and decline of Charles II, known as "The Bewitched," influenced his final decision. What motivated the monarch to choose a French king, and what were the repercussions of his will? Dive into this fascinating tale of power, intrigue, and destiny that still resonates in European history. Don’t miss it!

November 30, 2025

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The Secret of Charles II and the Will: How He Chose a French King to Succeed Him

The story of Charles II, the last king of the House of Habsburg in Spain, is filled with intrigue, conflict, and a tragic fate that would change the course of Europe forever. In an unexpected turn, this monarch, whose life was marked by decline and illness, left a will that not only surprised his contemporaries but also sowed the seeds of the Spanish Succession War. In this article, we will explore the secrets behind the choice of a French king, Philip V, and how this act determined the future of a dynasty and of Europe itself.

The Last of the Habsburgs: A Life of Decline

Charles II was born on November 6, 1661, in the Royal Palace of Madrid. From his childhood, his life was marked by illness and weakness, earning him the nickname "The Bewitched." His genealogy, a product of prolonged inbreeding among the Habsburgs, left him with multiple health issues, including mental and physical difficulties. Despite his lineage, his reign was a symbol of the decline of the Spanish monarchy.

With the death of his mother, Mariana of Austria, in 1696, and after a series of failures at court, Charles II found himself in a critical dilemma: who would inherit his throne? In a Europe where alliances and conflicts were the norm, his decision would not only affect his kingdom but would also alter the balance of power across the continent.

The Revelatory Will: A Controversial Decision

On December 2, 1700, in an act that has been the subject of analysis and debate for centuries, Charles II dictated his will designating his heir. Instead of choosing a member of the House of Habsburg, he opted for the Duke of Anjou, Philip of France, grandson of King Louis XIV. This surprising turn of events...