Spain latest: French troops reach Madrid

French forces are reported to have just entered Madrid, in their mission to restore Spain’s autocratic monarch, Ferdinand VII, to full control.

The army, claimed by the French to be 100,000 strong, is only seven weeks into its special military operation, but has enjoyed marked successes, taking a series of northern towns and cities. One of the first to be captured, in late April, was Logroño, 100 miles from the French border.

The overall commander, the Duke of Angoulême, was set on taking Madrid, in the operation to bring to an end the rule of Spain’s military-backed liberal and democratic government.

KING FERDINAND VII IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO CADIZ ON SPAIN’S SOUTH COAST, 375 MILES FROM MADRID, BY THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT.