A birth in turbulent times
On 25 August 1707, Luis de Borbón y de Saboya, the first-born son of King Philip V and Gabriela de Saboya, was born in Madrid. This birth took place in the context of the War of the Spanish Succession, a period of unrest and political struggles that would define the future of the country.
A scandalous youth
During his adolescence, Luis became the focus of various rumors, being considered a frequent visitor to the darkest dens of the Villa and Court. The young prince’s nocturnal escapades, pursued by the Royal Guard, became a notorious anecdote in the European courts, where scandal and laughter were intertwined.
The ascension to the throne and madness at court
At the age of seventeen, on 15 January 1724, Louis was crowned king. However, this rise was marked by the mental instability of his father, Philip V, whose erratic behaviour was a cause for concern. The Bourbon court, instead of being a symbol of majesty, became a chaotic place, where mental illness manifested itself in various ways.
A troublesome wife
Luisa Elisabet de Bourbon-Orléans, Louis’s wife, also shared a similar fate. Her erratic behavior included episodes of drunkenness and a lack of personal care that scandalized those attending official ceremonies. The couple, trapped in such a toxic environment, unsuccessfully tried to escape the shadow of madness that surrounded them.
A tragic ending
Louis’ reign was short-lived. Just six months after his coronation, he began to suffer from health problems that quickly deteriorated. Although the official version spoke of smallpox, rumours of a hidden venereal disease also circulated. His death on 31 August 1724 marked the end of an unstable chapter in the history of the Spanish monarchy.
Reflections on a forgotten legacy
Despite his short life and fleeting reign, Luis de Borbón left a mark on history that invites reflection on the weight of family inheritance and personal tragedies in the high nobility. The story of his life, full of scandals and tragedies, reminds us that even the most privileged are not exempt from suffering and internal conflicts.
