What No One Told You About the Agony of Charles II: The Last Days of Spain's Most Ill King
The story of Charles II, the last king of the House of Habsburg in Spain, is a blend of grandeur and decay. His reign, which lasted from 1665 to 1700, was marked by his chronic illness and a political environment rife with intrigue. The final days of Charles II are a tragic chapter that reveals not only the fragility of the monarchy but also the painful reality of a sovereign doomed from birth. In this article, we will explore the rumors and historical documents that allow us to glimpse the agony of a king who was, in many ways, a victim of his own dynasty.
The Cursed Birth: A King Marked by Tragedy
Charles II was born on November 6, 1661, at a time when the House of Habsburg was at its peak, but also at its most vulnerable. The son of Philip IV and Mariana of Austria, his arrival was met with great enthusiasm. However, optimism quickly faded when it became evident that the young prince suffered from multiple health problems. Chronicles of the time, such as those by Antonio Pérez, emphasize that his physical and mental weakness was a direct result of the infamous inbreeding of the Habsburg family, which sought to maintain the "purity" of its lineage.
The King's Agony: A Decaying Body
During his reign, Charles II faced increasingly deteriorating health, which became a source of concern for both his subjects and his court. Reports from the doctors of the time are heartbreaking: the king suffered from severe digestive issues, including vomiting and constant discomfort. Furthermore, his physique was a shadow of what a monarch should be. Documents from the court... ```