Albert

Albert, or ALBRECHT, the Pious, Archduke of Austria, born in 1559, was the third son of the Emperor Maximilian II. He was brought up at the Spanish court, and dedicated himself to the church. In 1577 he was made cardinal, in 1584 Archbishop of Toledo, and during the years 1594-96 held the office of viceroy of Portugal. He was next appointed Stadtholder of the Netherlands, where he continued, until his death, the representative of the Spanish monarch, discharging the duties of his function with a moderation unwonted among the proud proconsuls of Spain. He abandoned his ecclesiastical profession, and in 1598 married the infanta Isabella. Albert was defeated by Maurice of Nassau in 1599, made a twelve years' truce with him in 1609, and died in July 1621 at Brussels.