Francisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz

Francisco de Asís de Borbón (Francisco de Asís María Fernando; 13 May 1822 – 17 April 1902) was King of Spain as the husband of Queen Isabella II from their marriage in 1846 until Isabella's deposition in 1868. Francisco and his wife were double first cousins, as their fathers were brothers and their mothers were sisters. Isabella was deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1868, but the monarchy was restored under their son Alfonso XII in 1874.

Family Francisco de Asís was born at Aranjuez, Spain, the second son (first to survive infancy) of Infante Francisco de Paula of Spain, and of his wife (and niece), Princess Luisa Carlotta of the Two Sicilies. He was named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Marriage and children

Francisco married Queen Isabella II of Spain, his double first cousin, on 10 October 1846. There is evidence that Isabella would rather have married his younger brother, Infante Enrique, Duke of Seville, and complained bitterly about her husband's effeminate habits after their first night together.

Twelve children were born during the marriage: Infante Luis Fernando of Spain (20 May 1849) stillbirth. Infante Fernando Francisco of Spain (12 July 1850), died five minutes after birth. Infanta María Isabel of Spain (1851–1931): married her mother's and father's first cousin Prince Gaetan, Count of Girgenti. Infanta Maria Cristina of Spain (5 January 1854 – 7 January 1854). Infanta Margarita of Spain (23 September 1855 – 24 September 1855), born prematurely. Infante Francisco de Asis Fernando of Spain (21 December 1856), stillbirth. Alfonso XII of Spain (1857–1885) Future King of Spain. Infanta Maria de la Conception of Spain (1859 – 21 October 1861). Infanta María del Pilar of Spain (1861–1879). Infanta María de la Paz of Spain (1862–1946); married her paternal first cousin Prince Louis Ferdinand of Bavaria. Infanta Eulalia of Spain (1864–1958); married her maternal first cousin Infante Antonio d'Orléans, Duke of Galliera. Infante Francisco de Asis Leopoldo Maria Enrique of Spain (24 January 1866 – 14 February 1866).

There has been considerable speculation that not all, if any, of Isabella's children were fathered by Francisco de Asís; this has been bolstered by rumours that he was either homosexual or impotent. Francisco recognised all of them: however, he acted aggrieved and proceeded to blackmail the queen to receive money in exchange for keeping silent. The extortion by her husband would continue and intensify during Isabella's exile.

Later life

Starting in 1864, Francisco de Asís acted as president of the Spanish Privy Council (Consejo del Reino).

In 1868 Francisco went into exile with his wife in France and adopted the incognito title of Count of Moratalla. On 25 June 1870, Isabella abdicated in favour of their son Alfonso XII—whom the 1874 restoration placed on the throne. By then, Francisco de Asís and Isabella had amicably separated and, with time, became good friends.

In 1881 Francisco de Asís took up residence at the Château of Épinay-sur-Seine (currently the town hall). He died there in 1902. His wife Isabella and two of his daughters, Isabel and Eulalia, were present at his deathbed.

Honours

Ancestry