In 1618, the unpopular Duke of Lerma fell from favor, and was subsequently made a cardinal with offices outside of Madrid.
The Duke of Uceda, appointed as Sumiller de Corps and Caballerizo mayor to the King, followed a policy to benefit landowning nobility, including his clan.
In foreign policy, he continued the suppression of the religious-based Bohemian Revolt, and sought the annexation of Portugal.
In 1621, upon the ascent of Philip IV of Spain, he was substituted in an intrigue, which involved his former ally, the Count-Duke of Olivares, who replaced him.
Much of his property was confiscated, and though he was briefly released and gained some level of pardon, he was re-arrested and died in jail at Alcalá de Henares.