Afonso VI of Portugal
Afonso VI (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈfõsu]; 21 August 1643 – 12 September 1683), known as "the Victorious" (o Vitorioso), was the second king of Portugal of the House of Braganza from 1656 until his death. He was initially under the regency of his mother, Luisa de Guzmán, until 1662, when he removed her to a convent and took power with the help of his favourite, the Luís de Vasconcelos e Sousa, 3rd Count of Castelo Melhor.
| Afonso VI | |
|---|---|
Portrait in the National Coach Museum | |
| King of Portugal | |
| Reign | 6 November 1656 – 12 September 1683 |
| Acclamation | 15 November 1657 |
| Predecessor | John IV |
| Successor | Peter II |
| Regents | Luisa de Guzmán (1656–1662) Peter, Duke of Beja (1668–1683) |
| Chief minister | Count of Castelo Melhor (1662–1667) |
| Born | 21 August 1643 Ribeira Palace, Lisbon, Portugal |
| Died | 12 September 1683 (aged 40) Sintra Palace, Sintra, Portugal |
| Burial | Pantheon of the Braganzas |
| Spouse |
Maria Francisca of Savoy
(m. 1666; ann. 1668) |
| House | Braganza |
| Father | John IV of Portugal |
| Mother | Luisa de Guzmán |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Afonso's reign saw the end of the Restoration War (1640–68) and Spain's recognition of Portugal's independence. He also negotiated a French alliance through his marriage. In 1668, his brother Pedro II conspired to have him declared incapable of ruling, and took supreme de facto power as regent, although nominally Afonso was still sovereign. Queen Maria Francisca, Afonso's wife, received an annulment and subsequently married Pedro. Afonso spent the rest of his life and reign practically a prisoner.