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Afonso VIPortuguese king of the Braganza dynasty from 1656 to 1683
Date of Birth: 12.08.1643
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- A Life of Royal Unrest: Afonso VI of Portugal
- Troubled Reign
- The 1662 Uprising
- Unhappy Union
- Downfall and Abdication
- Later Years and Legacy
A Life of Royal Unrest: Afonso VI of Portugal
Early Life and SuccessionAfonso VI, born in 1643, was the son of King John IV of Portugal and Luisa de Guzman, his regent until 1662. At the tender age of three, he suffered a debilitating neurological illness that paralyzed the left side of his body and left him mentally unstable for life. In 1653, Afonso became heir to the throne upon the death of his elder brother, Teodósio. Upon his father's death at the age of 14, he was placed under the regency of his strong-willed mother, Queen Mother Luisa.
Troubled Reign
Afonso's reign was marred by his lack of interest in governance and his fondness for the company of street urchins and disreputable establishments. His favoritism towards Antonio Conti, an Italian merchant who held considerable influence over him, further alienated him from his mother. Recognizing this, Queen Mother Luisa began to favor her younger son, Pedro (later King Pedro II).
The 1662 Uprising
In 1662, loyalists to Queen Mother Luisa arrested Afonso, Conti, and other favorites during a council meeting. However, the coup failed, and Afonso escaped to Alcantra, rallying against his mother. With the support of the nobility and the army, Afonso emerged victorious, confining Queen Mother Luisa to a monastery and placing the reigns of government in the hands of the skilled and cunning Count of Castelo Melhor.
Unhappy Union
In 1666, Afonso married Maria Francisca of Savoy-Nemours, a young and ambitious woman. However, he soon lost interest in her and openly neglected her.
Downfall and Abdication
As resentment against Afonso's rule grew, a strong party formed around his younger brother, Pedro, backed by popular support. In October 1667, Pedro and his supporters stormed the palace and demanded that Afonso dismiss his favorites. With the people supporting their cause, Afonso was forced to comply. In November 1667, he was compelled to abdicate, and the Cortes proclaimed Pedro as the Prince Regent. Maria Francisca divorced Afonso and married Pedro II.
Later Years and Legacy
Initially detained in the palace, Afonso was later exiled to Terceira in the Azores. Eventually, he was allowed to return to Portugal and reside in the royal palace at Sintra. He lived a secluded life there, confined to his chambers. In September 1683, he suffered a stroke and died six days later. He was buried alongside his brother Pedro II and Maria Francisca in the Braganza Pantheon in Lisbon.
