ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the construction of a ruling family group during the reign of Charles V, when the Emperor was absent from most of his realms. It argues that he relied on a network of surrogate consorts – his actual spouse and other female relatives – and heirs – his son and his brother, who was his elected succession in the Empire – to govern his monarchy. Among these groups, women outnumbered men, leading to what can be seen as the ‘era of widows’. Other relatives that would play a role in later reigns, like illegitimates and nephews and nieces, were provided for in other ways. Young relatives were sometimes drawn into Charles's orbit and spend time at his court, but this did not yet entail any expectation of employment in the monarchy.
