In 1840, Fernando María Muñoz y Borbón was exiled from Spain along with his parents when Baldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara, took power.

[1] However, in 1847, the queen mother was once again exiled to France with her children, settling in Rueil-Malmaison.

During this period of exile, Fernando faced significant family losses.

His older brother, Agustín, died without descendants on July 15, 1855, at the age of 18.

As the sole surviving son, Fernando inherited his older brother's titles, becoming the Duke of Tarancón and Viscount of Rostrollano.