What no one told you about Carlos II and the will: how he chose a French king to succeed him.

Discover the intriguing story of **Charles II**, the last Habsburg of Spain, and his surprising will that chose **Philip V**, a French king, as his successor. This article reveals the hidden secrets behind this historic decision that not only marked the end of an era but also unleashed the **Spanish War of Succession**, forever transforming the map of Europe. Known as "the Bewitched," Charles II was a monarch who lived amidst illness and decay, and his legacy continues to be a subject of fascination and debate. What led this king to choose a French successor at a critical moment for the empire? Dive into this captivating narrative that unveils the mysteries and intrigues of a turbulent time. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the life and will of Charles II, and their impact on European history. Click to read more!

November 30, 2025

historiahabsburgodinastíacarlos iitestamentofelipe vguerra de sucesiónmonarquía

What No One Told You About Charles II and the Will: How He Chose a French King to Succeed Him

The story of Charles II of Spain is one of the darkest and most fascinating in the House of Habsburg. His life, marked by illness and the decline of an empire, culminated in a will that sparked the Spanish War of Succession and transformed the map of Europe. Why did he choose a French king, Philip V, to take his place? This article reveals the intrigue, surprises, and hidden secrets behind the decision of a monarch who reigned during the last gasps of a great empire.

Charles II: the Last Spanish Habsburg

Born in 1661, Charles II was the last monarch of the House of Habsburg in Spain. Known as "the Bewitched," his life was marked by multiple deformities and illnesses, which, according to some chroniclers of the time, were the result of inbreeding within the royal family. With a lineage that had repeatedly married within its own bloodline, Charles not only represented the decline of a dynasty but also embodied the tragic fate of a country that was, in turn, in decline.

The Will of Charles II: A Controversial Decision

On December 2, 1700, Charles II signed his will at the Royal Palace of Madrid, in an act that would mark the beginning of one of the most devastating wars in European history. In it, he named Philip of Anjou, the grandson of King Louis XIV of France, as his successor. This seemingly unusual move was an act of desperation by a king whose health was rapidly fading. But why did he choose a French king to succeed him?

Charles II's choice was the result of a complex power struggle. During his reign, Spain was in a critical financial situation and politically unstable, and the king was deeply influenced...