Early Life of Philip II

Philip II was the only son of Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal. Philip was born on the 21 of May, 1527 at Valladolid. Philip was well educated in the sciences, and also learned French and Latin. He was married to his cousin, Maria of Portugal in 1543 who died shortly after in 1545. Philip was appointed regent of Spain by a council by Charles V. In 1554 Philip married the queen of England, Mary Tudor who died in 1558. Philip had much influence over the religion of England through the marriage. When Philip was married, Mary Tudor was 11 years older than he was. On the 22 of Oct., 1555, the Low Countries (Castille, Aragon, and Sicily, and soon after the count-ship of Burgundy) were ceded to Philip by Charles V.