Neither his quiet upbringing at the Palace of Versailles nor his rather reserved character destined him for this high office.
But the game of dynasties and European royal calculations decided for him.
At the age of 17, in 1700, the Duke of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV, was designated sovereign of Spain.
The Sun King is responsible for telling him the news and teaching him some of the basics necessary for his future governance.
Undoubtedly useful advice for taking the reins of this vast empire of which he does not even speak the language, and preparing to rule the surly Spanish court.
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If we are to believe this issue of “Secrets of History”, some of its members maintained morals worthy of the Middle Ages and kept vials of poison in their cupboards.
The arrival of a sovereign from the Bourbon dynasty creates an atmosphere full of tension at the Alcazar Palace.
And triggers a war throughout Europe, the Germanic, British, Dutch and Portuguese powers fearing the rapprochement of the French and Spanish crowns.
Also read: Stéphane Bern: “The French are regaining faith in their country”
Bipolar disorders
The magazine hosted by Stéphane Bern does not detail enough this long and complex war of Spanish succession.
On the other hand, he effectively resurrects the life of Philip V, a pious and tormented soul.
A lover of women to the point of not being able to do without them.
But also a brave and brutal war leader, instigator of Spain's entry into the era of modernity.
From his grandfather, although an absolute monarch, he had received this advice:
“Esteem those who for the sake of good risk displeasing you, these are your true friends.
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Philip V in turn implemented an absolutist, centralizing and mercantilist policy (with the development of royal factories) on the French model.
More cheerful than ever, the host restores his letters of nobility to a sovereign who is especially remembered, like Charles VI in France, for his attacks of dementia.
Jumping into the pools of the Alcazar while pretending to be a frog was certainly not likely to promote flattering posterity.
The grandson of Louis XIV suffered from violent episodes of “melancholy”, which today we would describe as bipolar disorder.
His best doctor was the castrato Farinelli.
The voice of the most famous singer of the 18th century, who remained at court for ten years, relieved his moods.
Sightseeing tours
Philippe's departure for Spain, then the deaths of his wife and his son, undoubtedly constitute elements of the explanation of this illness which frightened the servants stationed at his bedside.
An hour and a half long, the magazine is punctuated with reconstructions - unfortunately far too repetitive - of the king screaming in the corridors of his Granja palace.
Less elegant than his grandfather's Versailles, this residence built by Philip V during his very long reign impresses with its majesty and its 146 hectares of gardens.
Also read: Louis XIII and Louis XIV with open hearts on France 5
The issue of “Secrets of History” also offers the opportunity to admire other notable buildings of Spanish royalty.
From the rugged and superb Escurial, which houses the tombs of sovereigns, to the Moorish Alcazar of Seville, where every year thousands of tourists take the paths once trodden without pleasure by Philip V, this erratic king who did not want a crown.