Charles I of Spain and V Holy Roman Emperor was obliged to travel throughout his life across his kingdoms and territories. To do so, he had to place his trust in the rulers to whom he delegated his authority. He trusted women completely: his aunt Margaret to manage the Netherlands, his wife Isabella to cover his long absences from Spain, and, in his later years, his sister, Mary of Hungary, who also served as governor of the Netherlands.
Charles I of Spain and V Holy Roman Emperor was obliged to travel throughout his life across his kingdoms and territories. To do so, he had to place his trust in the rulers to whom he delegated his authority. He trusted women completely: his aunt Margaret to manage the Netherlands, his wife Isabella to cover his long absences from Spain, and, in his later years, his sister, Mary of Hungary, who also served as governor of the Netherlands.