Alfonso XII of Spain
Alfonso XII (born Alfonso Francisco de Asís Fernando Pío Juan María de la Concepción Gregorio Pelayo) (Madrid, 28 November 1857 – El Pardo, 25 November 1885) was king of Spain, reigning from 1875 to 1885, after a coup d'état restored the monarchy and ended the ephemeral First Spanish Republic.
Alfonso was the son of Isabella II of Spain, and allegedly, Francisco de Asís de Borbón, her King Consort. His true biological paternity is uncertain, though his legal paternity is not: his mother was married to her (presumed homosexual) cousin Francisco de Asís de Borbón, the King Consort of Spain, at the time of Alfonso's conception and birth.
In exile
When Queen Isabella and her husband were forced to leave Spain by the Revolution of 1868, Alfonso accompanied them to Paris. From there, he was sent to the Theresianum at Vienna to continue his studies. On 25 June 1870, he was recalled to Paris, where his mother abdicated in his favour, in the presence of a number of Spanish nobles who had tied their fortunes to that of the exiled queen. He assumed the title of Alfonso XII, for although no King of united Spain had borne the name "Alfonso XI", the Spanish monarchy was regarded as continuous with the more ancient monarchy represented by the eleven kings of León and Castile, also named Alfonso.
Shortly afterwards, Alfonso proceeded to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in order to continue his military studies. While there, he issued, on 1 December 1874, in reply to a birthday greeting from his followers, a manifesto proclaiming himself the sole representative of the Spanish monarchy. At the end of that year, when Marshal Serrano left Madrid to take command of the northern army in the Carlist War, Brigadier Martínez Campos, who had long been working more or less openly for the king, led some battalions of the central army to Sagunto, rallied to his own flag the troops sent against him, and entered Valencia in the king's name. Thereupon the president of the council resigned, and his power was transferred to the king's plenipotentiary and adviser, Antonio Cánovas.
Return from exile
Within a few days after Canovas del Castillo took power, the new king, proclaimed on 29 December 1874, arrived at Madrid, passing through Barcelona and Valencia and was acclaimed everywhere (1875). In 1876, a vigorous campaign against the Carlists, in which the young king took part, resulted in the defeat of Don Carlos and the Duke's abandonment of the struggle.
On 23 January 1878 at the Basilica of Atocha in Madrid, Alfonso married his cousin, Princess Maria de las Mercedes, daughter of Antoine, Duke of Montpensier, but she died within six months of the marriage. Towards the end of the same year, a young workman of Tarragona, Juan Oliva Moncasi, fired at the king in Madrid.
Second marriage and rule
Alfonso XII and his second wife Maria Christina of Austria, 1885.
On 29 November 1879 at the Basilica of Atocha in Madrid, Alfonso married a much more distant relative, Maria Christina of Austria, daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand of Austria and of his wife Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria. During the honeymoon, a pastry cook named Otero fired at the young sovereign and his wife as they were driving in Madrid.
The children of this marriage were:
- María de las Mercedes, Princess of Asturias, (11 September 1880 – 17 October 1904), married on 14 February 1901 to Prince Carlos of Bourbon, and titular heiress from the death of her father until the posthumous birth of her brother
- María Teresa, (12 November 1882 – 23 September 1912), married to Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria on 12 January 1906
- Alfonso XIII (17 May 1886 – 28 February 1941). Born posthumously, this son was king from the moment of his birth and thus never held any other Spanish titles from the Crown, such as Infante or Prince of Asturias. He married Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, called "Ena", a carrier of haemophilia, and two of their sons died young from the disease. The third was a deaf-mute as a result of a childhood illness. The fourth was the father of the current King of Spain.
In 1881, the King refused to sanction a law by which the ministers were to remain in office for a fixed term of eighteen months. Upon the consequent resignation of Canovas del Castillo, he summoned Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, the Liberal leader, to form a new cabinet.
Death and impact
Monument to Alfonso XII in Parque del Retiro,
Madrid, architect José Grases Riera
In November 1885, Alfonso died, just short of his 28th birthday, of tuberculosis.
Coming to the throne at such an early age, Alfonso had served no apprenticeship in the art of ruling, but he possessed great natural tact and a sound judgment ripened by the trials of exile. Benevolent and sympathetic in disposition, he won the affection of his people by fearlessly visiting districts ravaged by cholera or devastated by earthquake in 1885. His capacity for dealing with men was considerable, and he never allowed himself to become the instrument of any particular party. During his short reign, peace was established both at home and abroad, finances were well regulated, and the various administrative services were placed on a basis that afterwards enabled Spain to pass through the disastrous war with the United States without the threat of a revolution.
He was the 996th Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in Spain, the 104th Grand Cross of the Order of the Tower and Sword in 1861 and the 775th Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1881.
Illegitimate issue
He had two sons by Elena Sánz y Martínez de Arrizala (Castellón de la Plana, 15 December 1849 - Paris, 24 December 1898), who also had another son by an unknown father other than the King named Jorje Sánz y Martínez de Arrizala:
- Alfonso Sánz y Martínez de Arrizala (Madrid, 28 January 1880 - 1970), married in 1922 to María de Guadalupe Lymantur y Mariscal (- Marbella, 1977), daughter of Julio Limantour y Marquet (Mexico City, 17 June 1863 - Mexico City, 11 October 1909) and wife Elena Mariscal y ..., paternal granddaughter of French Joseph Yves Limantour (Pleomour, 1812 - Mexico City, 1885) and wife Adèle Marquet (Bordeaux - ?), and maternal granddaughter of Ignacio Mariscal y ... (Oaxaca, Oaxaca, 5 July 1829 - Mexico City, 17 April 1910) and wife ..., and had issue:
- Elena Sánz y Lymantur (1922–1979), married in 1949 to Robert Borgs, and had issue:
- Bruce Borgs (b. 1953)
- Warren Borgs (b. 1957)
- María Luisa Sánz y Limantour (1925 -), married in 1944 to Alberto Wittig y Cooke, son of Alberto Wittig and wife Cecilia Cooke, and had issue:
- Leslie Wittig y Sánz(b. Santiago-Chile), unmarried and without issue
- Jaime Wittig y Sánz (b. Lisbon), unmarried and without issue
- Priscilla Wittig y Sánz (b. Paris, 1945), married to Gonzalo García y Rawson (b. Valparaiso-Chile), and had issue:
- Priscilla García y Wittig (b. Marbella-Spain 1982)
- Alejandra García y Wittig (b. Madrid 1984)
- Patricia Wittig y Sánz (b. Paris, 1946), married to Luis González y López de Carrizosa (b. Jerez de la Frontera), and had issue:
- Pablo González y Wittig (b. 1975)
- Marcos González y Wittig (b. 1979)
- Bruno González y Wittig (b. 1981)
- Moira González y Wittig (b. 1985)
- Jennifer Wittig y Sánz (b. Lisbon), unmarried and without issue
- Fernando Sanz y Martínez de Arizala (Madrid, 28 February 1881 - Nice, 1922), unmarried and without issue
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (Eleventh ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Ancestry
Ancestors of Alfonso XII of Spain |
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16. Charles III of Spain |
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8. Charles IV of Spain |
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17. Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony |
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4. Infante Francisco de Paula of Spain |
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18. Philip, Duke of Parma |
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9. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma |
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19. Princess Louise-Élisabeth of France |
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2. Infante Francis of Spain, Duke of Cádiz |
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20. Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies |
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10. Francis I of the Two Sicilies |
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21. Archduchess Marie Caroline of Austria |
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5. Princess Luisa Carlotta of the Two Sicilies |
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22. Charles IV of Spain (=8) |
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11. Infanta Maria Isabella of Spain |
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23. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma (=9) |
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1. Alfonso XII of Spain |
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24. Charles III of Spain (=16) |
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12. Charles IV of Spain (=8) |
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25. Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony (=17) |
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6. Ferdinand VII of Spain |
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26. Philip, Duke of Parma (=18) |
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13. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma (=9) |
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27. Princess Louise-Élisabeth of France (=19) |
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3. Isabella II of Spain |
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28. Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies (=20) |
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14. Francis I of the Two Sicilies (=10) |
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29. Archduchess Marie Caroline of Austria (=21) |
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7. Princess Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies |
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30. Charles IV of Spain (=8) |
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15. Infanta Maria Isabella of Spain (=11) |
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31. Princess Maria Luisa of Parma (=9) |
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External links
Alfonso XII of Spain
Cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty
Born: 28 November 1857 Died: 25 November 1885 |
Regnal titles |
Vacant
First Spanish Republic declared
Title last held by
Amadeo |
King of Spain
29 September 1874 –25 November 1885 |
Vacant
Title next held by
Alfonso XIII |
Political offices |
Preceded by
The Duke of la Torre
as President of the Executive Power of Spain |
Head of State of Spain
as King 29 September 1874 –25 November 1885 |
Succeeded by
Maria Christina of Austria
as Queen regent of Spain |
Spanish royalty |
Preceded by
Isabella, Princess of Asturias |
Heir to the Throne
as heir apparent 28 November 1857 –25 June 1870 |
Vacant
Bourbon dynasty deposed
Title next held by
Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Asturias |
Spanish nobility |
Preceded by
Infanta Isabella |
Prince of Asturias
28 November 1857 –30 September 1868 |
Vacant
Bourbon dynasty deposed
Title next held by
Infante Emanuele Filiberto |
Titles in pretence |
Loss of title
Spanish Glorious Revolution
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— TITULAR —
Prince of Asturias
30 September 1868 –25 June 1870 |
Succeeded by
Infanta Isabella |
Preceded by
Isabella II |
— TITULAR —
King of Spain
25 June 1870 –29 September 1874
Reason for succession failure:
Spanish Glorious Revolution |
became King
Monarchy restored in 1874
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Infantes of Spain |
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The generations indicate descent from Charles I, under whom the crowns of Castile and Aragon were united, forming the Kingdom of Spain. Previously, the title Infante had been largely used in the different realms. |
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1st Generation |
Philip II · Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress · Joan, Queen Consort of Portugal
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2nd Generation |
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3rd Generation |
Philip IV · Infante Carlos · Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand
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4th Generation |
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5th Generation |
none
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6th Generation |
none
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7th Generation |
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8th Generation |
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9th Generation |
Ferdinand VII · Carlos, Count of Molina · Infante Francisco de Paula · Infante Pedro Carlos* · Louis I of Etruria**
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10th Generation |
Queen Isabella II · Infanta Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier · Antoine, Duke of Montpensier** · Carlos, Count of Montemolín* · Juan, Count of Montizón* · Infante Ferdinand* · Francis, Duke of Cádiz* · Enrique, Duke of Seville* · Infante Duarte Felipe* · Infante Sebastian* · Charles II, Duke of Parma*
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11th Generation |
Alfonso XII · Gaetan, Count of Girgenti** · Infante Louis Ferdinand of Bavaria** · Infante Ferdinand of Orléans* · Antonio, Duke of Galliera* · Charles III, Duke of Parma*
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12th Generation |
Infante Carlos of the Two Sicilies** · Infante Ferdinand of Bavaria** · Alfonso, Duke of Galliera* · Infante Luis Fernando of Orléans* · Robert I, Duke of Parma*
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13th Generation |
Alfonso, Prince of Asturias · Jaime, Duke of Segovia · Infante Fernando · Juan, Count of Barcelona · Infante Gonzalo · Alfonso, Duke of Calabria* · Infante Luis Alfonso of Bavaria* · Infante José Eugenio of Bavaria*
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14th Generation |
Juan Carlos I · Infante Alfonso · Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz · Margarita, Duchess of Soria and Hernani · Carlos, Duke of Calabria*
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15th Generation |
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16th Generation |
Infanta Leonor · Infanta Sofía
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*title granted by Royal Decree
**consort to an Infanta who was naturalized as a Spanish Infante |
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The Bourbons of Spain |
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Philip V |
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Spouse(s)
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HH Princess Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy • HH Elisabeth Farnese
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Children
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Louis I* • Felipe* • Felipe* • Ferdinand VI* • Charles III* • Francisco* • Mariana Víctoria, Queen of Portugal* • Philip, Duke of Parma* • Maria Teresa Rafaela, Dauphine of France* • Luis, Count of Chinchón* • Maria Antonietta, Queen of Sardinia*
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Siblings
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Grandchildren
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María Isabel Antonia • María Josefa Antonieta • María Isabel Ana • María Josefa Carmela • Maria Luisa, Holy Roman Empress • Felipe, Duke of Calabria • Charles IV • María Teresa • Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies • Gabriel • Ana María • Antonio Pascual • Francisco Javier • Isabella, Archduchess of Austria • Ferdinand, Duke of Parma • Maria Luisa, Queen of Spain • Luis, Count of Chinchón • Maria Teresa, Countess of Chinchón • María Luisa, Duchess of San Fernando de Quiroga
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Louis I |
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Spouse(s)
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HSH Louise Élisabeth d'Orléans
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Charles III |
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Spouse(s)
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HH Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony
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Children
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María Isabel Antonia • María Josefa Antonieta • María Isabel Ana • María Josefa Carmela • Maria Luisa, Holy Roman Empress • Felipe, Duke of Calabria • Charles IV • María Teresa • Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies* • Gabriel • Ana María • Antonio Pascual • Francisco Javier
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Grandchildren
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Carlos Clemente • Carlota Joaquina, Queen of Portugal • Maria Luisa • Maria Amalia • Carlos Domingo • Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca • Carlos Francisco • Felipe Francisco • Ferdinand VII • Carlos, Count of Molina • Maria Isabella, Queen of the Two Sicilies • Maria Teresa • Felipe Maria • Francisco de Paula • Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress* • Luisa, Grand Duchess of Tuscany* • Carlo, Duke of Calabria* • Maria Ana* • Francis I of the Two Sicilies* • Maria Christina, Queen of Sardinia* • Maria Cristina Amelia* • Gennaro* • Giuseppe* • Maria Amalia, Queen of the French* • Maria Cristina* • Maria Antonia, Princess of Asturias* • Maria Clothilde* • Maria Enrichetta* • Carlo* • Leopold, Prince of Salerno* • Alberto* • Maria Isabella*
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Great grandchildren
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Carlos, Count of Montemolin • Juan, Count of Montizón • Fernando • Isabella II of Spain • Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier • Francisco de Asis • Isabel • Francis, Duke of Cádiz • Henry, Duke of Seville • Luisa, Duchess of Moscoso • Duarte Felipe • Josefina • Teresa • Fernando • Maria Cristina, Infanta of Portugal • Amelia Philippina, Princess Adalbert of Bavaria •
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Charles IV |
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Spouse(s)
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HRH Princess Maria Luisa of Parma
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Children
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Carlos Clemente • Carlota Joaquina, Queen of Portugal • Maria Luisa • Maria Amalia • Carlos Domingo • Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca • Carlos Francisco • Felipe Francisco • Ferdinand VII • Carlos, Count of Molina • Maria Isabella, Queen of the Two Sicilies • Maria Teresa • Felipe Maria • Francisco de Paula
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Grandchildren
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Carlos, Count of Montemolin • Juan, Count of Montizón • Fernando • Isabella II of Spain • Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier • Francisco de Asis • Isabel • Francis, Duke of Cádiz • Henry, Duke of Seville • Luisa, Duchess of Moscoso • Duarte Felipe • Josefina • Teresa • Fernando • Maria Cristina, Infanta of Portugal • Amelia Philippina, Princess Adalbert of Bavaria
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Ferdinand VII |
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Spouse(s)
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HRH Princess Maria Antonia of Naples and Sicily* • HRH Infanta Maria Isabel of Portugal • HH Princess Maria Josepha of Saxony • HRH Princess Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies*
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Children
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Isabella II |
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Spouse(s)
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HRH Infante Francis, Duke of Cadiz
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Children
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Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias • Isabella, Princess of Asturias • Maria Cristina • Alfonso XII of Spain • Maria de la Concepcion • Maria de Pilar • María de la Paz, Princess Ludwig of Bavaria • Francisco de Asis • Eulalia, Duchess of Galliera
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Alfonso XII |
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Spouse(s)
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HRH Princess Mercedes d'Orléans • HRH Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria
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Children
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Grandchildren
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Alfonso, Duke of Calabria* • Fernando, Prince of Bourbon-Two Sicilies • Isabella Alfonsa, Princess of Bourbon-Two Sicilies • Alfonso, Prince of Asturias • Jaime, Duke of Segovia • Beatriz, Princess of Civitella-Cesi • Ferdinand • Maria Cristina, Countess of Marone • Juan, Count of Barcelona • Gonzalo
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Great grandchildren
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Teresa, Princess of Bourbon-Two Sicilies • Carlos, Duke of Calabria* • Inés Maria, Princess of Bourbon-Two Sicilies • Alfonso, Duke of Anjou and Cádiz • Gonzalo, Duke of Aquitaine • Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz • Juan Carlos I of Spain • Margarita, 2nd Duchess of Hernani • Alfonso
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Alfonso XIII |
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Spouse(s)
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Children
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Alfonso, Prince of Asturias • Jaime, Duke of Segovia • Beatriz, Princess of Civitella-Cesi • Ferdinand • Maria Cristina, Countess of Marone • Juan, Count of Barcelona • Gonzalo
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Grandchildren
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Alfonso, Duke of Anjou and Cádiz • Gonzalo, Duke of Aquitaine • Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz • Juan Carlos I of Spain • Margarita, 2nd Duchess of Hernani • Alfonso
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Juan Carlos I |
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Spouse(s)
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Children
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Grandchildren
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Infanta Leonor of Spain • Infanta Sofía of Spain
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*also a Prince or Princess of the Two Sicilies
**also an Archduchess of Austria
***both |
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Persondata |
Name |
Alfonso 12 Of Spain |
Alternative names |
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Short description |
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Date of birth |
28 November 1857 |
Place of birth |
Madrid |
Date of death |
25 November 1885 |
Place of death |
El Pardo |