18 April

Infanta Isabella Clara of Spain and Archduke Albert VII of Austria married on 18 April 1599.

Both spouses had notable histories — politically speaking. From her teenage years onwards, Isabella Clara had been active as an assistant and translator for her father, Philip II of Spain, becoming involved in state affairs and international politics to a degree rarely seen for a woman of her time. Several European thrones were considered for Philip’s beloved daughter — first the imperial one, as wife of Emperor Rudolf; and later, following the deaths of Henri IV and Mary Tudor, the thrones of France and England, respectively.

Similarly, Archduke Albert, one of the younger sons of Emperor Maximilian II, was raised at the Spanish court and employed in high political office. Although never ordained as a priest, he was appointed cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo, and served Philip II as Viceroy of Portugal and its overseas territories. At one point, Albert was even offered the Irish crown by the heads of the clans, in exchange for military support from Spain against England.

The opportunity for Isabella Clara and Albert to marry came when Philip II required a new Governor-General for the Habsburg Netherlands. By then, the bride was 33 and the groom 39. Despite political turbulence and their childlessness, their marriage was considered happy. Both were intelligent and well-educated, with a shared love of music and the arts. Their joint rule became a significant chapter in — and contribution to — the Dutch Golden Age.