This was one of the few Portuguese high aristocracy families to support António, Prior of Crato against Philip II of Spain claims, during the War of the Portuguese Succession (1580–1583). The 3rd Count, "Dom" Francisco de Portugal (Francis II), was appointed António Constable, leading the Portuguese armies in the Battle of Alcântara (1580); he found death, two years later, in the naval Battle of Vila Franca, off São Miguel Island, in the Azores.