He achieved notoriety as ambassador to England (1613–18; 1620–22), when he made himself one of the most influential members of James I’s court, much to the chagrin of zealous English Protestants. He was largely responsible for the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh, and he tried to interest the king in a royal Spanish wife for the Prince of Wales. When his unpopularity in England reached its peak in 1622, he was recalled to Spain.