Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal married on 10 March 1526. This event could easily be called another ‘wedding of the century’ — though only for the Spanish branch of the Habsburgs. Through their shared grandparents, Isabella of Castile and Fernando of Aragon, the newlyweds were first cousins.
While Isabella had previously declared that she would either marry the emperor or enter a convent, Charles explored numerous marriage options — from England to Italy — before political circumstances dictated the need to strengthen the alliance between Spain and Portugal. Despite the thoroughly political and rational calculations behind the match, the bride and groom quickly developed strong personal affection and trust toward each other. In fact, they married just a few hours after their first meeting in Seville, in an improvised midnight ceremony.
A few sweet months together followed — almost like a honeymoon in the modern sense, though highly untypical for a ruling couple of their time. However, they spent most of their married life apart, as Charles’ presence was required in various parts of his vast empire. During these periods, Isabella was appointed regent over Spain and Portugal, a role she fulfilled with great proficiency. Quite curiously, for an empress of the Holy Roman Empire, she never left the Iberian Peninsula.
Biographies of Charles V often state that, despite his frequent absences, his marriage to Isabella was a happy one. Call me sceptical, but I can’t help wondering — was that, perhaps, the reason why?
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