The Queen's Trusted Counselor: The Marquis of Aytona and Spain's Foreign and Domestic Policy, 1665–70

Mariana of Austria (1634-1696) ruled the Spanish monarchy for her minor son, King Carlos II of Spain (r.1665-1700), from 1665 until 1676, during a highly unstable period. Although revisionist studies have challenged some of the most negative assumptions, her tenure in office continues to be portrayed as weak, disorderly, and controlled by two favorites: the Jesuit Everard Nithard and the upstart Fernando Valenzuela. There is convincing evidence, however, that the queen actively governed, worked with a numer of political figures besides Nithard and Valenzuela, and personally steered Spanish diplomacy. This paper examines Mariana’s political partnership with Guillén Ramón de Moncada, IV Marquis of Aytona (1615-1670), from 1665 until his death in 1670, as one of the most important examples of Mariana’s political agency.

A military men par excellence, Aytona had been appointed by Mariana’s husband, Philip IV (r. 1621-1665), to the Regency Council (1665) and Master of the Queen’s Royal Stables (1663). Mariana  named him Grand Master of the Household (1667) and Captain of the newly created Royal Guard, La Chamberga (1670), making him one of the most powerful political figures alongside Nithard. The  uncovering of Aytona’s previously unexamined personal papers disclose that the queen relied heavily on his advice (on military matters, domestic policy, distribution of royal patronage, and a host of other issues) and charged him with the execution of important tasks (royal household reforms, levy of troops, and device of military strategies). Aytona’s consultations were often read, signed and commented by the queen herself. Their political collaboration sheds light not only on the role played by Mariana’s trusted counselor and her own shrewdness and skill, but also on how this political partnership contributed to the forging of Spain’s foreign and domestic policy.