Alfonso, Prince of Asturias (1453–1468)

Alfonso, Prince of Asturias
Prince of Asturias
Sculpture of Alfonso in his tomb in Burgos.
Born	17 November 1453 Tordesillas
Died	5 July 1468 (aged 14) Cardeñosa
Burial	Miraflores Charterhouse
House	House of Trastámara
Father	John II of Castile
Mother	Isabella of Portugal
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Alfonso the Innocent (17 November 1453 – 5 July 1468) was the figurehead of rebelling Castilian magnates against his half-brother Henry IV, who had recognized him as heir presumptive with the title of Prince of Asturias.

Childhood

Alfonso was the only surviving son of John II by his second wife, Isabella of Portugal. Alfonso's sister, the future Isabella I of Castile, was also the product of this second marriage.

After the death of his father, John II, Alfonso, his mother and sister were virtually exiled, his mother to Arevalo and the children to Segovia. When Alfonso was around seven years of age the two children were moved to Henry's court at Madrid and were placed in Queen Joan's household. During this period it is rumored that Queen Joan tried to poison Alfonso on at least one occasion, to pave the way for her own daughter to inherit the throne.

Heir to the Throne

Coin minted by Alfonso's supporters in Seville.

In early 1460s, Castilian nobles became dissatisfied with the rule of King Henry IV, and believed that the child (Joanna, Princess of Asturias) that Henry's wife Queen Joan had given birth to was not sired by Henry. Propaganda and rumour encouraged by the league of rebellious nobles argued that her father was Beltrán de la Cueva, a royal favorite of low background who had been elevated to enormous power by Henry and who, by some, has been suggested as Henry's lover. This resulted in the name "Juana la Beltraneja", which has stuck with the girl throughout history. If Joanna were illegitimate, the next candidate would be Alfonso. If she were legitimate—which is entirely possible—then Alfonso and, ultimately, his famous sister Isabella the Catholic would both have been usupers. Considering Isabella's impact on world history, this question has fascinated historians for centuries.

"Alfonso XII"

The league of nobles controlling Alfonso forced Henry with the 1464 Representation of Burgos to repudiate Joanna and recognize Alfonso as his official heir. Alfonso then became Prince of Asturias, a title previously held by Joanna. Henry agreed to the compromise with the stipulation that Alfonso someday marry Joanna, to ensure that they both would one day receive the crown.

Not long after this, Henry reneged on his promise and began to support his daughter's claim once more. The nobles in league against him conducted a ceremonial deposition-in-effigy of Henry outside the city of Avila and crowned Alfonso as a rival king. This event is known in history as the Farce of Avila. Shortly thereafter, Alfonso began handing out land and titles as if he were already uncontested ruler. A civil war began. The most notable clash was at the Second Battle of Olmedo in 1467, which concluded as a draw.

However, in 1468 at the age of only 14, Alfonso died of a sickness, most likely the plague (although poison and slit throat have been suggested as alternative causes of death). His will left his crown to his sister, Isabella, who was asked to take her brother's place as the champion of the rebels. Shortly thereafter, she declined, and after a negotiation at Toros de Guisando, in which she and her allies received most of what they desired, Henry was convinced to exclude Joanna la Beltraneja from the succession, and to recognize Isabella as his official heir. Though Henry continued to resist this decision when possible, his actions were ineffective, and he remained at peace with Isabella for the rest of his reign. Isabella became Castile's next monarch when he died in 1474.

Ancestry

Ancestors of Alfonso, Prince of Asturias (1453–1468)

16. Henry II of Castile               8. John I of Castile                       17. Juana Manuel of Castile               4. Henry III of Castile                             18. Peter IV of Aragon               9. Eleanor of Aragon                       19. Eleanor of Sicily               2. John II of Castile                                   20. Edward III of England               10. John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster                       21. Philippa of Hainault               5. Catherine of Lancaster                             22. Peter of Castile               11. Constance of Castile                       23. Maria de Padilla               1. Alfonso Prince of Asturias                                         24. Peter I of Portugal               12. John I of Portugal                       25. Teresa Lourenço               6. John, Lord of Reguengos de Monsaraz                             26. John of Gaunt               13. Philippa of Lancaster                       27. Blanche of Lancaster               3. Isabella of Portugal                                   28. John I of Portugal               14. Afonso, 1st Duke of Braganza                       29. Inês Peres Esteves               7. Isabella of Barcelos                             30. Nuno Álvares Pereira               15. Beatriz Pereira Alvim                       31. Leonor de Alvim