BIOGRAPHY

Philip II of Spain  was born on May 21, 1527 in the Spanish capital Valladolid. He is also known as Philip the Pruden. He was the most important ruler in Spanish history. He was also named the King of Portugal, King of Naples, Duke of Milan, and lord of Seventeen Provinces of Netherlands at various points of his life. As a young boy, he grew up studious, grave, and mature beyond his years; his formal education and military training receiving equal attention. At the age of 16, his father made him the Regent of Spain. The islands of Philippines were named so in his honour. He married four times in the course of his life: 1.Maria Manuela, the princess of Portugal, 2.María I Tudor, 3. Princess Elisabeth of Valois, daughter of Henry II of France, 4. Anna of Austria.

Aged 71, Philip died of cancer on September 13, 1598, in El Escorial.