I am wondering about the possibility of a Portuguese-Netherlands personal union under the Habsburgs. The timeline I am working on (with a POD at the Battle of Pavia in 1525) involves Charles V having a second son as a major early butterfly. This son, Infante Juan/Johan van Spanje, will inherit the Netherlands.
If, per OTL, the Braganza line of succession burns out*, the claim falls to the Habsburgs. As the older brother, Philip would have a stronger claim. But, to the Portuguese Courts would the possibility of a union between the far off Netherlands and Portugal (with whom there is much trade)** be more palatable than the Iberian Union? Or is it more likely that a closer heir is supported to avoid personal union?
*Not strictly accurate - there are still several stronger claimants than the brothers Habsburg, though they are unsavory for various reasons (female, bastardy, alliances, etc.)
** I found this post to be especially edifying
If, per OTL, the Braganza line of succession burns out*, the claim falls to the Habsburgs. As the older brother, Philip would have a stronger claim. But, to the Portuguese Courts would the possibility of a union between the far off Netherlands and Portugal (with whom there is much trade)** be more palatable than the Iberian Union? Or is it more likely that a closer heir is supported to avoid personal union?
*Not strictly accurate - there are still several stronger claimants than the brothers Habsburg, though they are unsavory for various reasons (female, bastardy, alliances, etc.)
** I found this post to be especially edifying