Lamoral, Count of Egmont, who commanded the cavalry, was the chief agent in winning these victories.

By the treaty of Cateau-Cambresis peace was concluded, in which the French made many concessions, but were allowed to retain, at the cost of Philip's ally, the town of Calais which had been captured from the English by a surprise attack in 1558.

By the death of Queen Mary, which was said to have been hastened by the news of the loss of Calais, Philip's relations with England were entirely changed, and one of the reasons for a continuance of his residence in the Netherlands was removed.

Peace with France therefore was no sooner assured than Philip determined to return to Spain, where his presence was required.

He chose his half-sister Margaret, Duchess of Parma, to be regent in place of the Duke of Savoy.