October 2, 1700. The grandson of Louis XIV becomes the heir of Charles II of Spain.

Reserved for subscribers

The sovereign of Spain, born of consanguineous marriages, syphilitic, illiterate, weak and impotent, seeks his heir in France.

Par Frédéric Lewino et Gwendoline Dos Santos

Engravings representing Charles II of Spain. © DR

Published on 02/10/2019 at 01:05
– Modified 02/10/2022 at 01:05

I subscribe to 1€ the 1st month

On October 2, 1700, it was the advisers of the King of Spain Charles II who wrote his will, because the Spanish sovereign still did not know how to read or write. They designate the Duc d’Anjou as his dolphin, for lack of having been able to be a father. It’s because the sovereign of the Spanish empire, the largest in Europe, is a congenital idiot. Never has any other member of a royal family inherited such enormous inbreeding. Charles’ ancestors never ceased to form alliances between cousins, uncles and nieces.

At 4 years old, Charles does not speak yet. At 8, he begins to plod. He doesn’t understand much of what people say to him, he’s a melancholic child, but kind. Prognathous and endowed with an enormous tongue, he finds it difficult to express himself. He is nicknamed “El Hechizado” (the ensorc…

This article is for subscribers only

I subscribe
Already subscribed? I identify myself