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[[Image:Royal Monogram of King Alfonso XIII of Spain.svg|thumb|120px|Royal Monogram]]
[[Image:Royal Monogram of King Alfonso XIII of Spain.svg|thumb|120px|Royal Monogram]]
[[File:Alfonso XIII sculpted by José Navas-Parejo.jpg|thumb|left|Bust of Alfonso XIII]]
[[File:Alfonso XIII sculpted by José Navas-Parejo.jpg|thumb|left|Bust of Alfonso XIII]]
Alfonso was born in [[Madrid]], posthumously born son of [[Alfonso XII of Spain]], and became King of Spain upon his birth. The French newspaper ''[[Le Figaro]]'' described the young king as "the happiest and best-loved of all the rulers of the earth".<ref>"The Happiest Living Monarch", ''New York Times.'' 14 August 1889.</ref>
Alfonso was born in [[Madrid]], posthumously born son of [[Alfonso XII of Spain]], and became King of Spain upon his birth. The [[French]] [[newspaper]] ''[[Le Figaro]]'' described the young [[king]] as "the happiest and best-loved of all the rulers of the earth".<ref>"The Happiest Living Monarch", ''New York Times.'' 14 August 1889.</ref>


When he came of age in 1902, the week of his majority was marked by festivities, bullfights, balls and receptions throughout Spain.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C06E2D9103BE733A2575AC2A9659C946397D6CF&scp=101&sq=Alfonso+XIII&st=p "Alfonso's Reign Begins on 17 May; He Will Take the Oath on That Day – Festivities to Last a Week,"] ''New York Times,'' 29 March 1902.</ref>
When he came of age in 1902, the week of his majority was marked by festivities, bullfights, balls and receptions throughout Spain.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C06E2D9103BE733A2575AC2A9659C946397D6CF&scp=101&sq=Alfonso+XIII&st=p "Alfonso's Reign Begins on 17 May; He Will Take the Oath on That Day – Festivities to Last a Week,"] ''New York Times,'' 29 March 1902.</ref>


During his reign, [[Spain]] lost its last colonies in the Americas ([[Cuba]] and [[Puerto Rico]]) and the [[Philippines]]; fought and, after several setbacks, won [[Rif War (1920)|a war]] in [[Morocco]]; witnessed the start of the [[Spanish Generation of 1927]], and endured the dictatorship of [[Miguel Primo de Rivera]].
During his reign, [[Spain]] lost its last colonies in the Americas ([[Cuba]] and [[Puerto Rico]]) and the [[Philippines]]; fought and, after several setbacks, won [[Rif War (1920)|a war]] in [[Morocco]]; witnessed the start of the [[Spanish Generation of 1927]], and endured the dictatorship of [[Miguel Primo de Rivera]].
During the [[World War I|First World War]], because of his family connections with both sides and the division of popular opinion, Spain remained neutral. The King ran an office for captives from the [[Palacio Real|Royal Palace]], which leveraged the Spanish diplomatic and military network abroad to intercede for thousands of prisoners-of-war, receiving and answering letters from Europe. However, he became gravely ill during the [[1918 flu pandemic]] and, since Spain was neutral and thus under no wartime censorship restrictions, his illness and subsequent recovery were covered worldwide, giving the false impression (in the absence of real news from anywhere else) that Spain was the most-affected area. This ultimately led to the pandemic getting the nickname "the Spanish Flu."<ref name=Barry>Barry 171.</ref>
During the [[World War I|First World War]], because of his [[family]] connections with both sides and the division of popular opinion, Spain remained neutral. The King ran an office for captives from the [[Palacio Real|Royal Palace]], which leveraged the Spanish [[diplomatic]] and [[military]] network abroad to intercede for thousands of [[prisoners-of-war]], receiving and answering [[letters]] from [[Europe]]. However, he became gravely ill during the [[1918 flu pandemic]] and, since Spain was neutral and thus under no wartime censorship restrictions, his illness and subsequent recovery were covered worldwide, giving the false impression (in the absence of real news from anywhere else) that Spain was the most-affected area. This ultimately led to the pandemic getting the nickname "the Spanish Flu."<ref name=Barry>Barry 171.</ref>


Alfonso was a promoter of tourism in Spain. The problems with the lodging of his wedding guests prompted the construction of the luxury [[Hotel Palace]] in Madrid. He also supported the creation of a network of state-run lodges ([[Parador]]) in historic buildings of Spain. His fondness for the sport of [[Association football|football]] led to the patronage of several "Royal" ("Real" in Spanish) football clubs such as [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]], [[Real Sociedad]], [[Real Betis]], [[Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña]] and [[Real Unión]].
Alfonso was a promoter of [[tourism]] in Spain. The problems with the lodging of his [[wedding]] guests prompted the [[construction]] of the luxury [[Hotel Palace]] in Madrid. He also supported the creation of a network of state-run lodges ([[Parador]]) in historic buildings of Spain. His fondness for the sport of [[Association football|football]] led to the patronage of several "Royal" ("Real" in Spanish) football clubs such as [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]], [[Real Sociedad]], [[Real Betis]], [[Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña]] and [[Real Unión]].


When the [[Second Spanish Republic]] was proclaimed on 14 April 1931, he fled and left Spain, but did not abdicate the throne. He settled eventually in [[Rome]] where he lived in the [[Grand Hotel (Rome)|Grand Hotel]].
When the [[Second Spanish Republic]] was proclaimed on 14 April 1931, he fled and left Spain, but did not abdicate the throne. He settled eventually in [[Rome]] where he lived in the [[Grand Hotel (Rome)|Grand Hotel]].

Revision as of 00:19, 5 May 2012

Alfonso XIII
The King in 1901
King of Spain
Reign17 May 1886 – 14 April 1931
PredecessorAlfonso XII
SuccessorNiceto Alcalá-Zamora (as President)
Juan Carlos I (as King of Spain)
Born(1886-05-17)17 May 1886
Madrid, Spain
Died28 February 1941(1941-02-28) (aged 54)
Rome, Italy
Burial
El Escorial
SpouseVictoria Eugenie of Battenberg
Issue
more issue...		Alfonso, Prince of Asturias
Jaime, Duke of Segovia
Beatriz, Princess of Civitella-Cesi
Infanta Maria Christina, Countess of Marone
Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona
Infante Gonzalo
Names
Alfonso León Fernando María Jaime Isidro Pascual Antonio de Borbón y Austria-Lorena
HouseHouse of Bourbon
FatherAlfonso XII of Spain
MotherMaria Christina of Austria
ReligionRoman Catholicism

Alfonso XIII (Alfonso León Fernando María Jaime Isidro Pascual Antonio de Borbón y Austria-Lorena; 17 May 1886 – 28 February 1941) was King of Spain from 1886 until 1931. His mother, Maria Christina of Austria, was appointed regent during his minority. In 1902, on attaining his 16th year, the King assumed control of the state.

Reign

Royal Monogram
Bust of Alfonso XIII

Alfonso was born in Madrid, posthumously born son of Alfonso XII of Spain, and became King of Spain upon his birth. The French newspaper Le Figaro described the young king as "the happiest and best-loved of all the rulers of the earth".[1]

When he came of age in 1902, the week of his majority was marked by festivities, bullfights, balls and receptions throughout Spain.[2]

During his reign, Spain lost its last colonies in the Americas (Cuba and Puerto Rico) and the Philippines; fought and, after several setbacks, won a war in Morocco; witnessed the start of the Spanish Generation of 1927, and endured the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera. During the First World War, because of his family connections with both sides and the division of popular opinion, Spain remained neutral. The King ran an office for captives from the Royal Palace, which leveraged the Spanish diplomatic and military network abroad to intercede for thousands of prisoners-of-war, receiving and answering letters from Europe. However, he became gravely ill during the 1918 flu pandemic and, since Spain was neutral and thus under no wartime censorship restrictions, his illness and subsequent recovery were covered worldwide, giving the false impression (in the absence of real news from anywhere else) that Spain was the most-affected area. This ultimately led to the pandemic getting the nickname "the Spanish Flu."[3]

Alfonso was a promoter of tourism in Spain. The problems with the lodging of his wedding guests prompted the construction of the luxury Hotel Palace in Madrid. He also supported the creation of a network of state-run lodges (Parador) in historic buildings of Spain. His fondness for the sport of football led to the patronage of several "Royal" ("Real" in Spanish) football clubs such as Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña and Real Unión.

When the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed on 14 April 1931, he fled and left Spain, but did not abdicate the throne. He settled eventually in Rome where he lived in the Grand Hotel.

Once the Spanish Civil War broke out, Alfonso made it clear he favoured the military uprising against the Popular Front government, but General Francisco Franco in September 1936 declared that the Nationalists would never accept Alfonso as King (the supporters of the rival Carlist pretender made up an important part of the Franco Army). First, he went into exile in France.[clarification needed] Nevertheless, he sent his son, Juan de Borbon, Count of Barcelona, to enter Spain in 1936 and participate in the uprising. However, near the French border, General Mola had him arrested and expelled from the country.

On 15 January 1941, Alfonso XIII abdicated his rights to the Spanish throne in favour of his third (of four), but second-surviving, son Juan, father of the current King, Juan Carlos. He died in Rome a month and a half later.

The Spanish Government ordered three days of national mourning.[4] His funeral was held in Rome in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. He was buried in the Church of Santa Maria in Monserrato, the Spanish national church in Rome, immediately below the tombs of Pope Callixtus III and Pope Alexander VI.[5] In January 1980 his remains were transferred to El Escorial in Spain.[6]

Marriage and children

Main article: Descendants of Alfonso XIII of Spain
File:Retrato del Rey Alfonso XIII.jpg
1929 portrait of King Alfonso XIII

On 31 May 1906, at the Royal Monastery of San Geronimo in Madrid, Alfonso married Scottish-born Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg (1887–1969), a niece of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, and a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. A Serene Highness by birth, Ena, as she was known, was raised to Royal Highness status a month before her wedding to prevent the union from being viewed as unequal.

As Alfonso XIII and Ena were returning from the wedding, they narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by Mateu Morral who threw a bomb from a high window; instead, the bomb explosion killed or injured many bystanders and members of the Royal procession.

Alfonso and Ena had six children:

Illegitimate issue

The King also had four illegitimate children:

By French aristocrat Mélanie de Gaufridy de Dortan (1876–1937), he had Roger Marie Vincent Philippe Lévêque de Vilmorin (12 September 1905 – 20 July 1980)

By Spanish actress María del Carmen Ruíz y Moragas (1898–1936):

  • Ana María Teresa Ruíz y Moragas (9 October 1925 – 6 September 1965)
  • Leandro Alfonso Luis Ruíz y Moragas (born 26 April 1929), officially recognized by Spanish Courts on 21 May 2003 as Leandro Alfonso Luis de Borbón y Ruíz Moragas

By Béatrice Noon he had Juana Alfonsa Milán y Quiñones de León (19 April 1916 – 16 May 2005)

Honours

Media

Alfonso XIII appears as "King Buby" in Luis Coloma's story of Ratoncito Pérez (1894), which was written for the King when he was 8 years old. The story of Ratoncito Pérez has been adapted into further literary works and movies since then, with the character of Alfonso XIII appearing in some. Alfonso XIII is also mentioned on the plaque to Ratoncito Pérez on the second floor of "la calle del Arenal".

Ancestry

Family of Alfonso XIII
16. Charles IV of Spain
8. Infante Francisco de Paula of Spain
17. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma
4. Infante Francis, Duke of Cádiz
18. Francis I of the Two Sicilies
9. Princess Luisa Carlotta of the Two Sicilies
19. Infanta María Isabella of Spain
2. Alfonso XII of Spain
20. Charles IV of Spain (=16)
10. Ferdinand VII of Spain
21. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma (=17)
5. Isabella II of Spain
22. Francis I of the Two Sicilies (=18)
11. Princess Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies
23. Infanta María Isabella of Spain (=19)
1. Alfonso XIII of Spain
24. Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor
12. Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen
25. Infanta Maria Louisa of Spain
6. Archduke Karl Ferdinand of Austria
26. Frederick William, Duke of Nassau
13. Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg
27. Burgravine Louise Isabelle of Kirchberg
3. Maria Christina of Austria
28. Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor (=24)
14. Archduke Joseph, Palatine of Hungary
29. Infanta Maria Louisa of Spain (=25)
7. Archduchess Elisabeth Franziska of Austria
30. Duke Louis of Württemberg
15. Duchess Maria Dorothea of Württemberg
31. Princess Henriette of Nassau-Weilburg

References

  1. ^ "The Happiest Living Monarch", New York Times. 14 August 1889.
  2. ^ "Alfonso's Reign Begins on 17 May; He Will Take the Oath on That Day – Festivities to Last a Week," New York Times, 29 March 1902.
  3. ^ Barry 171.
  4. ^ "Mourning in Spain", The Times (3 March 1941): 3.
  5. ^ "Italians to Mourn Death of Alfonso," The New York Times. 2 March 1931.
  6. ^ "21 Guns for Dead King's Homecoming", The Times (21 January 1980): 4.
  7. ^ Collier, William Miller. (1912). At the Court of His Catholic Majesty, pp.35–36; Order of the Golden Fleece.
  8. ^ Miller, pp. 37–38; Orden de Carlos III (in Spanish).
  9. ^ Miller, pp. 39–39; Order of Santiago.
  10. ^ Miller, pp. 39–39; Order of Calatrava.
  11. ^ Miller, pp. 39–39; Order of Alcántara.
  12. ^ Miller, pp. 39–39; Order of Montesa.
  13. ^ "Japan to Decorate King Alfonso Today; Emperor's Brother Nears Madrid With Collar of the Chrysanthemum for Spanish King," New York Times, 3 November 1930; see also Nutail, Zelia. (1906). The Earliest Historical Relations Between Mexico and Japan, p. 2.

Bibliography

  • Barry, John M. (2004). The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Greatest Plague in History. Viking Penguin. ISBN 0-670-89473-7.
  • Churchill, Winston. Great Contemporaries. London: T. Butterworth, 1937. Contains the most famous single account of Alfonso in the English language. The author, writing shortly after the Spanish Civil War began, retained considerable fondness for the ex-sovereign.
  • Noel, Gerard. Ena: Spain's English Queen. London: Constable, 1985. Considerably more candid than Petrie about Alfonso the private man, and about the miseries the royal family experienced because of their hemophiliac children.
  • Petrie, Charles. King Alfonso XIII and His Age. London: Chapman & Hall, 1963. Written as it was during Queen Ena's lifetime, this book necessarily omits the King's extramarital affairs; but it remains a useful biography, not least because the author knew Alfonso quite well, interviewed him at considerable length, and relates him to the Spanish culture of his time.
  • Pilapil, Vicente R. Alfonso XIII. Twayne's rulers and statesmen of the world series 12. New York: Twayne, 1969.
  • Sencourt, Robert. King Alfonso: A Biography. London: Faber, 1942.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfonso XIII of Spain.
Alfonso XIII
Cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty
Born: 17 May 1886 Died: 28 February 1941
Regnal titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Alfonso XII 		King of Spain
17 May 1886 – 14 April 1931
with Maria Christina of Austria as regent (1886–1902) 		Vacant
Title next held by
Juan Carlos I
Political offices
Preceded byas Queen regent of Spain Head of State of Spain
as King
17 May 1886 –14 April 1931 		Succeeded byas President of Spain
Titles in pretence
Loss of title — TITULAR —
King of Spain
14 April 1931 – 15 January 1941 		Succeeded by
Preceded by — TITULAR —
King of France and Navarre
29 September 1936 – 28 February 1941
Reason for succession failure:
Bourbon monarchy deposed in 1830 		Succeeded by
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Cover of Time Magazine
22 December 1924 		Succeeded by

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