The Seven Fat Years of the Habsburgs 1621–8

Abstract

When Albert died in July 1621, Philip IV’s advisers proposed that someone of authority be sent to offer formal consolation to Isabella, but in reality to establish closer control over the Brussels administration. In the event the choice fell on Bedmar, cardinal de la Cueva, who was already serving in Flanders as ambassador. Though Isabella as an able and determined woman was not to be excluded from policy-making, Cueva’s authority superseded that of the council of state. He directed the administration through two separate juntas, one of Belgians, the other of Spaniards, and was himself responsible to the Council of Flanders in Madrid.