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Isabella of Portugal

Type Figure Region Spain Time 1503–1539 Also known as Holy Roman Empress Isabella

Isabella of Portugal (1503–1539), Queen of Spain and Holy Roman Empress, wife of Charles V, served several times as regent of Spain and bore the futu…

Timeline

  1. 1503–1526Lisbon · Kingdom of PortugalBorn in Lisbon on 24 October 1503, eldest daughter of King Manuel I of Portugal and Queen Maria of Castile. She received a rigorous religious and humanist education in the Portuguese palace, renowned for her piety and intelligence. As one of Portugal's wealthiest princesses, her dowry of 900,000 gold cruzados was an important reason Charles V chose her as his bride.
  2. 1526–1527Seville · SpainShe married Charles V on 10 March 1526 at the Alcázar Palace in Seville, a union of both political and personal affection. According to historical records, Charles was deeply devoted to Isabella and the two shared a close bond. In 1527, Isabella gave birth to the future Philip II in Madrid.
  3. 1529–1533Madrid · SpainCharles V repeatedly left Spain for Italy, Germany, or North Africa on imperial business, appointing Isabella regent in his absence. She governed prudently, maintained a balance between nobles and the cortes, managed the kingdom's finances well, and won her subjects' respect. Her regency was an important demonstration of women's political ability in the 16th century.
  4. 1535–1539Toledo · SpainIn her later years Isabella's health steadily declined, and she suffered frequent difficult childbirths. On 1 May 1539 she died in Toledo in childbirth at only thirty-six. Charles V was plunged into grief, unable to recover for months, and wore black for the rest of his life in mourning. She was buried in the Royal Chapel of Granada alongside Spain's kings.

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