Prince of the Peace (title) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Principality of the Peace |
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| Creation date | 1795 |
| Monarch | Charles IV |
| Peerage | Peerage of Spain |
| First holder | Manuel Godoy y Álvarez de Faria, Prince of the Peace |
| Extinction date | 1808 |
The Prince of the Peace (in Spanish, Príncipe de la Paz) was a special title in Spain. It was given for life, meaning it wasn't passed down to family members. King Charles IV created this title in 1795.
He gave it to Manuel Godoy, who was his trusted advisor and top government official (like a Secretary of State). The title was a way to honor Godoy for successfully ending the War of the Pyrenees. He did this by arranging the Peace of Basel treaty in July 1795.
Contents
History of the Title
How the Title Was Created
When King Charles IV first created the title, he meant for it to be passed down through Godoy's family. This would have made it a hereditary title. However, things changed quickly.
Why the Title Was Taken Away
In 1808, Charles IV's son, Ferdinand VII, became king. One of the first things he did was take away all of Godoy's titles. This included the Prince of the Peace title.
There were a few reasons for this. Many people in Spain did not like Godoy. Also, in Spain, the title of "prince" was usually only for the person who was next in line to become king or queen. This person is called the Prince of Asturias. Giving the title of "prince" to someone else was very unusual.
Later Decisions About the Title
Years later, Queen Isabella II decided to give back some of Godoy's other titles. This happened with a special order called a Royal Decree in 1847.
However, she did not bring back the Prince of the Peace title. She felt it didn't fit with the usual traditions of Spanish noble titles.
Unique Prince Titles in Spain
Generally, in Spain, the title of "prince" is only for the heir to the throne. But there have been two rare exceptions to this rule. These were the Prince of the Peace and the Prince of Vergara.
Spanish monarchs also granted princely titles when they ruled other parts of Europe. These areas included the Netherlands, Milan, Naples, and Sicily. Some of these titles were later recognized in Spain as dukedoms or marquessates.
Holders of the Title
Princes of the Peace (1795)
- Manuel Godoy y Álvarez de Faria, Prince of the Peace (1767-1851, title taken away in 1808)
See also
In Spanish: Principado de la Paz para niños
- Prince of Vergara
- Duke of Alcudia
- Duke of Sueca
