Charles Emanuele was the last representative of the Madruzzo house and the only one not to be conferred the title of Cardinal, and neither did he boast the international role that his predecessors had experienced. Instead, he had to face many political difficulties throughout his rule, including claims to the principality by Archduchess Claudia di Medici. Unsuccessful attempts were also made to repair the imminent extinction of the family, asking for his transfer to lay status in order to continue descendancy, which was refused.