La fin d’une longue attente. Le 16 Novembre 1700 dans les Mémoires du duc de Saint-Simon
Abstract
Charles II of Spain died on November 1, in Madrid. Once this information is known in Versailles, Louis XIV must surely take the most important decision of his reign: Should he accept the will of Charles II and proclaim his grandson Philip of Anjou King of Spain? The description made later by Saint-Simon of the tension at the court of Versailles shows more than any other document the art of "King of glory" to stage political decisions. His announcement on November, 16 that he accepts the will shows Louis XIV as the "director" of the set. As the true master in this field, all at once, he united the kingdoms of France and Spain and deceived Emperor Leopold 1st, his competitor to the legacy.
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