Alfonso XIII of Spain

Description: (King of Spain from 1886 to 1931)

Alfonso XIII of Spain, also known as El Africano, was the King of Spain from his birth in 1886 until the establishment of the Second Republic in 1931. The posthumous son of Alfonso XII, he grew up alongside two elder sisters under the regency of their mother, María Cristina. Although he felt quite disconnected from the court life from the very beginning, he took full authority as the king on his sixteenth birthday in 1902. During his reign, Alfonso continued the system of rotating the governments which led to political instability. His popularity also suffered due to the poor situation of the popular classes, Catalan nationalism, and consequences of the Rif War. However, his tremendous courage in dealing with a plot to assassinate him on his wedding day in 1906 won him considerable admiration all over Spain. Although Alfonso had seven children with his wife Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, he later left her to have relationships with several mistresses and fathered numerous illegitimate children. In April 1931, he was forced to leave the country though he refused to abdicate the throne. Ten years later, he died at a hotel in Rome, at the age of 54.

Overview

Birthday May 17, 1886 (Taurus)
Born In Spain
Alternative names El Africano, The African
City Madrid, Spain
Died on February 28, 1941
Spouse/Ex- Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg (m. 1906)
Parents Alfonso XII of Spain
Maria Christina of Austria
Children Alfonso; Prince of Asturias, Fernando de Borbón y Battenberg, Infanta Beatriz of Spain, Infanta María Cristina of Spain, Infante Gonzalo of Spain, Infante Jaime; Duke of Segovia, Infante Juan; Count of Barcelona, Leandro de Borbón
Relatives Alfonso Sanz y Martínez de Arizala, Fernand Sanz, Infanta María Teresa of Spain, María de las Mercedes; Princess of Asturias

Did you know

What role did Alfonso XIII play in Spanish politics? Alfonso XIII played a largely ceremonial role as the constitutional monarch of Spain, with limited powers that were gradually reduced during his reign.
What was Alfonso XIII's stance during World War I? Alfonso XIII maintained Spain's neutrality during World War I, a decision that was controversial at the time.
How did Alfonso XIII's reign contribute to the downfall of the Spanish monarchy? Alfonso XIII's reign was marked by political instability, social unrest, and military coups, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Spanish monarchy in 1931.
Did Alfonso XIII have any involvement in the Spanish Civil War? Alfonso XIII was exiled from Spain during the Spanish Civil War and did not have a direct involvement in the conflict.
What was the impact of Alfonso XIII's abdication on Spain? Alfonso XIII's abdication in 1931 paved the way for the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic, marking the end of the monarchy in Spain.
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