Joanna La Beltraneja, Princess of Castile (b. 1462)

Joanna of Castile (born 21 February 1462, died 12 April 1530), often historically known as Joanna la Beltraneja, stood at the heart of one of Castile's most significant succession crises. Her life was largely defined by her contentious claim to the Castilian throne and her brief, politically charged marriage as Queen of Portugal to her uncle, King Afonso V. The epithet "la Beltraneja," meaning "daughter of Beltrán," was a public and derogatory accusation regarding her paternity, casting a long shadow over her legitimacy and her royal aspirations.

The Contested Heir of Castile

Born in Madrid, Joanna was initially recognized as the rightful heir to the Crown of Castile, the only child of King Henry IV of Castile and his second wife, Joan of Portugal. However, her birth was immediately shrouded in controversy. King Henry IV had been married before, to Blanche II of Navarre, a union that was annulled on grounds of non-consummation – a detail that fueled rumors about his virility. When Joanna was born, whispers quickly spread, encouraged by powerful noble factions, that her true father was not the king, but rather Beltrán de la Cueva, a favorite of the court, earning her the infamous nickname "la Beltraneja."

This deep-seated doubt about her parentage plunged Castile into a period of intense political instability and civil unrest. The Castilian nobility, divided between those who supported Joanna and those who rallied behind King Henry's half-sister, Isabella, exploited the situation for their own gains. Despite King Henry IV's efforts to secure Joanna's succession, including solemn oaths of allegiance from the Cortes (parliament), the legitimacy crisis persisted, culminating in a bitter struggle for the throne.

A Throne Forged in Conflict

As the succession crisis escalated, Joanna became a pawn in a larger geopolitical struggle. Upon King Henry IV's death in 1474, the stage was set for open conflict. Joanna's most ardent supporter, and indeed her husband, was her maternal uncle, King Afonso V of Portugal. In 1475, to solidify their alliance and strengthen her claim, Joanna married Afonso V, making her Queen of Portugal. This marriage, while strategically important, required a papal dispensation due to their close familial relationship.

The ensuing War of the Castilian Succession (1475–1479) pitted Joanna and Afonso V against Isabella and her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, who had shrewdly combined their crowns to form a formidable power bloc. The war was fought on both land and sea, with significant battles such as the Battle of Toro in 1476. Ultimately, Isabella and Ferdinand's forces proved victorious, consolidating their control over Castile and paving the way for the unification of Spain.

Renunciation and a Life in the Convent

The conclusion of the war brought an end to Joanna's royal aspirations. The Treaty of Alcáçovas (1479), which formally ended the conflict, stipulated that Joanna would renounce all her claims to the Castilian throne. She was given a choice: either marry Isabella and Ferdinand's son, John, Prince of Asturias (once he came of age), or enter a convent. Choosing the latter, she took the veil in 1480 at the Convent of Santa Clara in Coimbra, Portugal, later moving to the Convent of São Bento de Avé-Maria in Porto.

Despite her renunciation, Joanna never truly abandoned her royal identity, signing her letters "The Queen." She lived out her days in Portugal, treated with dignity and respect as a royal, albeit one confined to religious life. Her potential claim remained a latent threat to the Castilian throne throughout her life, and she was sometimes mentioned in diplomatic circles as a possible contender in various schemes against Ferdinand and Isabella. Joanna passed away on 12 April 1530 at the age of 68, having witnessed the rise of the Spanish Empire under the Catholic Monarchs and their successors. Her life serves as a poignant reminder of the volatile nature of medieval succession and the power of political intrigue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joanna la Beltraneja

Why was Joanna called "la Beltraneja"?
The nickname "la Beltraneja" translates to "daughter of Beltrán." It was a derogatory term used by her political opponents to suggest that her true father was Beltrán de la Cueva, a court favorite, rather than King Henry IV of Castile, thereby undermining her legitimacy as an heir to the throne.
Who were Joanna's parents?
Joanna was officially the daughter of King Henry IV of Castile and his second wife, Joan of Portugal. However, her paternity was highly disputed, leading to the nickname "la Beltraneja."
What was the Castilian War of Succession?
It was a conflict (1475–1479) fought between Joanna of Castile, supported by her husband King Afonso V of Portugal, and Isabella, Henry IV's half-sister, supported by her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon. The war was over the legitimate succession to the Crown of Castile after King Henry IV's death.
What happened to Joanna after the war?
After her defeat in the War of the Castilian Succession, Joanna was forced to renounce her claim to the throne under the Treaty of Alcáçovas (1479). She chose to enter a convent in Portugal, where she lived out the rest of her life, maintaining her royal title informally.
Was Joanna ever truly Queen of Castile?
While she was proclaimed Queen by her supporters and her husband, Afonso V of Portugal, her claim was ultimately unsuccessful. Isabella I and Ferdinand II were the victors of the succession war and are recognized as the legitimate monarchs of Castile following Henry IV.