What happens if Phillip II of Spain never had a son? Who are the most likely heirs for the Spanish Empire?
How will this affect Spanish history,
How will this affect Spanish history,
Philip II of Spain had a sister, Mary, who was married to their cousin Maximilian II of Austria. He also had two surviving daughters Isabel Clara Eugenia and Catalina Micaela. Isabella, his eldest apparently was also his favourite, IOTL she was betrothed to Rudolf II for quite some while, no as heiress presumptive, she is likely to end up with one of his younger brothers, who as her spouse. If Philip II has no issue, then Mary, and through her the children of Mary and Maximilian would have inherited Spain anyway.
By the way. By no son do we include his bastard son, John of Austria?
Juan was Felipe's bastard half-brother, his own bastards - Pedro and Bernardo (I think they were called) by Isabel de Osorio and then one of the Princess of Eboli's sons was also supposedly Felipe's.
One of Rudolf's younger brother such as her OTL husband, Albert VII, Archduke of Austria, whom resulted in no issues?Philip II of Spain had a sister, Mary, who was married to their cousin Maximilian II of Austria. He also had two surviving daughters Isabel Clara Eugenia and Catalina Micaela. Isabella, his eldest apparently was also his favourite, IOTL she was betrothed to Rudolf II for quite some while, now as heiress presumptive, she is likely to end up with one of his younger brothers as her spouse. If Philip II has no issue, then Mary, and through her the children of Mary and Maximilian would have inherited Spain anyway.
One of Rudolf's younger brother such as her OTL husband, Albert VII, Archduke of Austria, whom resulted in no issues?
Why not have another brother:
- Archduke Ernest of Austria
- Matthias, future Holy Roman Emperor
- Archduke Maximilian of Austria
- Archduke Wenceslaus of Austria
Well Archduke Wenceslaus of Austria, is the youngest and only 5 years older than Isabela, he would have not ambition being the youngest of 6 brothers. It would be interesting how the relations go with Isabela on the throne with Elizabeth of England and James of Scotland (and later England)IOTL Isabel married relatively late (she was 33), ITTL she very likely will marry sooner. So sure why not, though IMHO one of the older younger brothers seems more likely.