The most infamous and base traitors…: the aristocracy’s challenge to Olivares’ plans for a regency during Philip IV´s illness (1627)

Abstract

The death of Philip IV’s only daughter and the illness that befell the king prompted a serious dynastic crisis, which, although short-lived, prompted the first challenge to the authority of the Count-Duke of Olivares by members of the aristocracy. The King’s Valido imposed restricted access to the monarch and carefully controlled dissemination of news about the king’s health. He did so for two reasons: firstly, to stifle communication between Philip IV and his brothers; and secondly, to develop precautionary plans for a future regency in secrecy away from the court. It was this strategy that drove a group of powerful noble courtiers with close ties to the Infante Don Carlos to conspire; they prepared to contest the King’s dying wishes should the event arise, to promote His Highness the Infante as successor to the throne, or as first minister in charge of the kingdom’s government in the event that the then pregnant Queen gave birth to an heir.