Charles (born Sept. 28, 1863, Lisbon—died Feb. 1, 1908, Lisbon) was the king of a troubled Portugal that was beset by colonial disputes, grave economic difficulties, and political unrest during his reign (1889–1908).
The son of King Louis and of Maria Pia of Savoy, daughter of Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, he married Marie Amélie of Orléans, a granddaughter of the French king Louis-Philippe, in 1886 and succeeded his father on Oct. 19, 1889. Forces generated by mistakes made before his time proved to be the undoing of this talented and intelligent man, who was also known for his paintings and oceanographical studies. At home, republicans, disaffected monarchists, and Freemasons kept up a running opposition. Popular indignation over the British ultimatum of 1890 demanding Portuguese withdrawal from certain African territories resulted in the republican revolt at Oporto (January 1891).
In an effort to surmount political difficulties and bring about economic and administrative reform after a series of strikes and revolts, Charles appointed João Franco as prime minister in May 1906 and allowed him to assume dictatorial powers soon thereafter. Although some useful reforms were effected, strong opposition was aroused by governmental coercion and controversies over extravagances and the private life of Charles. While driving through the streets of Lisbon, the king and his eldest son, Louis Philip, were assassinated. Charles was succeeded by another son, Manuel II.