Alfonso XII

Alfonso XII was born to Queen Isabella II and her husband, Francisco de Asís, in Madrid, Spain.

Alfonso XII and his family were exiled from Spain following the Glorious Revolution, which overthrew Queen Isabella II.

Alfonso XII received his education in Paris, France, and later in London, England, focusing on military and statecraft.

The First Spanish Republic was declared, further complicating the exiled royal family's situation and prospects of return.

Alfonso XII was proclaimed King of Spain in a coup led by General Arsenio Martínez de Campos, restoring the monarchy.

Alfonso XII was officially crowned as King of Spain, marking the formal restoration of the monarchy and his reign.

Alfonso XII married his cousin, Princess Mercedes of Orleans, in a grand ceremony, strengthening diplomatic ties with France.

Alfonso XII's wife, Queen Mercedes, died of typhoid fever, leaving him a widower and without an heir.

Alfonso XII married Maria Christina of Austria, a Habsburg princess, in a strategic move to strengthen his dynasty.

Alfonso XII's first daughter, Princess Maria de las Mercedes, was born, providing a potential heir to the throne.

Alfonso XII's son, Prince Alfonso, was born, ensuring a direct male heir to the Spanish throne.

Alfonso XII successfully navigated diplomatic tensions with the United States, avoiding a potential conflict over Spanish colonies.

Alfonso XII initiated significant reforms of the Spanish Navy, modernizing and expanding the fleet to enhance Spain's maritime power.

Alfonso XII died of tuberculosis in Madrid, ending his reign and leaving the throne to his infant son, Alfonso XIII.