| Ferdinand | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Asturias | |
 Portrait by Sánchez Coello, c. 1575 | |
| Born | 4 December 1571 Madrid, Crown of Castile, Spain |
| Died | 18 October 1578 (aged 6) Madrid, Crown of Castile, Spain |
| Burial | |
| House | Habsburg |
| Father | Philip II of Spain |
| Mother | Anna of Austria |
Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias (4 December 1571 – 18 October 1578) was a member of the House of Habsburg who was heir apparent to the Spanish throne.
Born on 4 December 1571 at the Royal Alcázar of Madrid, Ferdinand was the eldest child of Philip II and Anne of Austria.[1][2] His mother was Philip II's niece and fourth wife.[3][4] His elder half-brother, Don Carlos, had died in 1568, which meant that he was the new heir-apparent at birth and therefore Prince of Asturias. To thank God for the birth of the long-awaited son, prisoners were released – as commemorated in Titian's painting, Philip II Offering Don Fernando to Victory.[5][6]
Most of his time was spent with his mother, his nurses and his two elder half sisters Catherine and Isabella.[citation needed]
On 31 May 1573, Ferdinand was officially made Prince of Asturias at San Jerónimo el Real.[citation needed]
Ferdinand died of dysentery.[citation needed] His father was eventually succeeded by his youngest brother, Philip III of Spain.
