Why did the allied occupation of Madrid in 1706 fail?

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Illustration of the Battle of Blenheim showing cavalry and infantry in combat, fallen soldiers, and smoke rising from cannon fire across a hilly battlefield. — War of the Spanish Succession The Battle of Blenheim (August 13, 1704), was the most famous victory of John Churchill, duke of Marlborough, and Eugene of Savoy during the War of the Spanish Succession.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, the allied forces of England and Austria successfully seized Madrid in June 1706. However, the commander of the allied forces, Henri de Massue, earl of Galway, was unable to maintain his hold on the capital and was forced to withdraw to Valencia.12

The failure to secure the capital was primarily due to the fierce loyalty of Castile to the Bourbon king, Philip V. Throughout the war, despite facing severe financial difficulties and military setbacks, Castile remained steadfast in its support for the new dynasty. This regional loyalty, combined with continued support from France, enabled Philip V to survive the occupation and eventually reclaim control.1