THE GRANVELLE FAMILY AND PHILIP II'S MONARCHY: THE LORD OF CHANTONNAY'S APPOINTMENT AS AMBASSADOR IN THE IMPERIAL COURT, 1563-65

Abstract

This paper studies the appointment of the lord of Chantonnay as Philip II's ambassador in the Holy Roman Empire, which was favoured because cardinal Granvelle, his brother, used his web of contacts in Madrid. This fact shows the Perrenot of Granvelle's factional position in the courts of Madrid and Brussels, as well as their familiar goals: avoiding their political disgrace and expanding their influence in the imperial court. Thus, they are an example of transregional nobility balancing their personal interests with the Habsburg's dynastic service.