Fernando de Valenzuela, marquis de Villa Sierra

Fernando de Valenzuela, marquis de Villa Sierra (born Jan. 19, 1630, Naples—died Feb. 7, 1692, Mexico) was a Spanish royal favourite and minister during the regency of Charles II. He obtained a footing in the palace by his marriage with Maria de Uceda, lady-in-waiting to Mariana, Philip IV’s second wife. When he was appointed introducer of ambassadors (Oct. 12, 1671), it became notorious that whoever had a petition to present must apply to him. He...