La disposición que envía Felipe III a la ciudad de Valencia sobre la muerte de la reina Margarita de Austria (1584–1611) // The Royal Decree that Philip III Sent to the City of Valencia Regarding the Death of Margaret of Austria (1584–1611)

On October 3, 1611, Margaret of Austria, queen consort of Philip III of Spain, died due to complications from childbirth. Her death shocked the court and society of the time. The queen’s active political involvement in opposing the Duke of Lerma fueled rumors of poisoning. In response to her death, royal decrees were issued to the authorities of the Spanish Empire, informing them of the queen’s death and requesting the organization of funeral rites. The document analyzed in this article is a copy of a real cédula sent to the City of Valencia, a key location during Margarita’s queenship. In addition to outlining the protocol for mourning, the document contributed to the construction of the public image of the late queen. This image would later be reproduced on catafalques and in sermons, as recorded in numerous news pamphlets.