In a letter dated 1582 the king wrote to the Indian Viceroy Francisco de Mascarenhas commanding that he bring an elephant to the Prince of Asturias as a gift. Philip II taught his son the Portuguese language so that one day Diego could speak as king with his Portuguese subjects. In addition, Philip II planned to betroth Diego to one of the daughters of John, Duke of Braganza and Catherine of Portugal.
In 1582, the king wrote to the Indian Viceroy Francisco de Mascarenhas, instructing him to bring an elephant as a gift to the Prince of Asturias. Philip II taught his son Diego Portuguese so that he could communicate with his Portuguese subjects in the future. Furthermore, Philip II had plans to marry Diego off to one of John's daughters from the House of Braganza and Catherine of Portugal.