Charles IV of Spain

Charles IV (November 11, 1748 - January 20, 1819) was King of Spain from December 14, 1788 until his abdication on March 19, 1808.

Early life

Charles was the second son of Charles III and his wife Maria Amelia of Saxony. He was born at Portici, while his father was king of the Two Sicilies. His elder brother was passed over for the throne as mentally retarded and epileptic. Charles had inherited a great frame and immense physical strength from the Saxon line of his mother. When young he was fond of wrestling with the strongest countrymen he could find. He was considered by many to be intellectually sluggish and quite credulous. His wife Maria Luisa of Parma, on the other hand, was seen by many (including by the painter Francisco Goya) as a vicious and coarse woman who thoroughly dominated the king.

Related Topics:
Charles III - Maria Amelia - Saxony - Portici - Two Sicilies - Mentally retarded - Epileptic - Saxon - Maria Luisa of Parma - Francisco Goya

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During his father's lifetime he was led by her into court intrigues which aimed at driving the king's favourite minister, Floridablanca, from office, and replacing him by Aranda, the chief of the "Aragonese" party.

Related Topics:
Floridablanca - Aranda

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