[2] Despite his French sympathies,[3] he was appointed First Secretary of State (Prime Minister) 12 February 1799, and remained in office till 13 December 1800.

[4] Taking advantage of the Napoleonic invasion of the Papal States, he attempted what came to be known as "Urquijo's Schism" (1799), in which he tried to recover for the Spanish church powers that had previously been assumed by the Pope, including matrimonial dispensations.

[5] Even though he was supported by some jansenist-leaning clerics such as the bishop of Salamanca, Antonio Tavira, his religious policies caused his fall.

Godoy, the queen's favourite, had resented Urquijo as a rising star whose influence in court had started to eclipse his own.

After publicly acknowledging José I as lawful King of Spain, Urquijo was called back to court and became Prime Minister again.