Louis

Louis (born Aug. 25, 1707, Madrid—died Aug. 31, 1724, Madrid) was the king of Spain in 1724, son of Philip V.

Louis was born during the War of the Spanish Succession, which disputed his French father’s succession to the Spanish throne; thus, his birth was celebrated by the French and the Spanish. Louis XIV of France was his great-grandfather. In 1709 he was recognized as heir presumptive, being named príncipe (prince) de Asturias, and succeeded to the throne on Jan. 15, 1724, upon the abdication of his father. On February 9 he was formally proclaimed king. He fell ill, however, probably of smallpox, on August 19 and died 12 days later. Philip V returned to the throne.