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 a letter dated 1582, the king wrote to the Indian Viceroy Francisco de Mascarenhas ordering him to bring an elephant as a gift to the Prince of Asturias. Philip II instructed his son Diego in Portuguese so that he could converse with his Portuguese subjects one day. Additionally, Philip II intended to arrange a marriage for Diego to one of John's daughters from the House of Braganza and Catherine of Portugal.