As king, Edward demonstrated a keen interest in fostering internal political consensus. Over the course of his short five-year reign, he convened the Portuguese Cortes, the national assembly, on five separate occasions to discuss matters of political significance. Edward's commitment to the maritime exploration of Africa mirrored his father's vision, and he provided encouragement and financial support to his famous brother, Henry the Navigator. Under Henry's leadership, numerous expeditions were launched along the west coast of Africa, with Gil Eanes's voyage in 1434 successfully rounding Cape Bojador, opening the way for further exploration southward.
Edward's colonial affairs, however, faced challenges. The Portuguese colony of Ceuta, which had been captured from the Moors, proved to be a financial burden. It became evident that without the city of Tangier, possession of Ceuta held little value. The overland trade routes shifted to Tangier, depriving Ceuta of its former prominence as a vibrant trading hub. In 1437, Edward's brothers Henry and Ferdinand convinced him to launch an ill-fated attack on the Marinid sultanate of Morocco. This expedition, undertaken against the Pope's advice, resulted in the disastrous Battle of Tangier. The Portuguese siege camp was besieged and starved into submission by a Moroccan relief army. In the subsequent treaty, Henry promised to return Ceuta to the Marinids in exchange for the Portuguese army's safe departure. Edward's youngest brother, Ferdinand, was held hostage by the Marinids until the final handover of the city.
The Battle of Tangier weighed heavily on Edward's late life. Caught between fulfilling the treaty or reneging on it, he called for a consultation with the Portuguese Cortes at Leiria in early 1438. The Cortes refused to ratify the treaty, opting to hold onto Ceuta and urging Edward to find an alternative means of securing Ferdinand's release. Tragically, Edward's life was cut short that summer in Tomar due to the plague, similar to his father, mother, and grandmother. Folklore suggests that he succumbed to heartbreak over the fate of his captive brother Ferdinand, who would remain in captivity until his own death in 1443.
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Beyond his political achievements, Edward possessed a deep appreciation for culture and scholarship. He authored treatises such as "O Leal Conselheiro" (The Loyal Counsellor) and "Livro Da Ensinança De Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela" ("Book of Teachings on Riding Well on Every Saddle"), along with several poems. Edward was even in the process of revising the Portuguese law code at the time of his death.
Edward's marriages resulted in a lineage of descendants who would shape European history. He wed Eleanor of Aragon, daughter of Ferdinand I of Aragon and Eleanor of Alburquerque, in 1428. Their children included Infante John, Infanta Philippa, Infante Afonso (who succeeded Edward as Afonso V, King of Portugal), Infanta Maria, Infante Ferdinand (Duke of Viseu and father of future King Manuel I), Infanta Eleanor (Holy Roman Empress by marriage to Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor), Infante Duarte (who died shortly after birth), and Infanta Catherine.
Today, King Edward of Portugal is remembered as a philosopher king, eloquent ruler, and influential figure of the 15th century. His commitment to political consensus, maritime exploration, and cultural pursuits left a lasting impact on Portuguese history and civilization. Edward's reign may have been brief, but his contributions endure, shaping the legacy of the "Illustrious Generation" and their remarkable influence on Portugal's development.