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History
Henry IV of France's wives and mistresses
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Henry IV of France's wives and mistresses played a significant role in the politics of his reign. Both Henry (1553–1610) and his first wife Margaret of Valois, whom he married in 1572, were repeatedly unfaithful to each other, and the collapse of their marriage led to their estrangement and living apart. Although Henry fathered children with a series of mistresses, his lack of a legitimate heir became a cause of concern, and his marriage was not annulled until 1599. In 1600, at the age of forty-six, he married his second wife, Marie de' Medici. They had six children, including the future Louis XIII. Henry was unfaithful to his second wife as well and insisted that she raise his illegitimate children along with her own.
Henry IV was notorious for his tumultuous and politically complicated love life.
Henry IV was notorious for his tumultuous and politically complicated love life.
Margaret of Valois, by François Clouet, c. 1570. Usually remembered for her scandalous and stormy life, Margaret was above all an active politician, a
Margaret of Valois, by François Clouet, c. 1570. Usually remembered for her scandalous and stormy life, Margaret was above all an active politician, acting as a mediator between Catholics and Huguenots. She was also an intellectual, a protector of the arts and also a writer and poet. Her most important work was her Memoirs, the first written in a modern style by a woman.
Henry of Navarre and Margaret of Valois
Henry of Navarre and Margaret of Valois
Charlotte de Sauve, Henry's mistress during the early years of his marriage to Marguerite of Valois, worked as an informant for Catherine de' Medici a
Charlotte de Sauve, Henry's mistress during the early years of his marriage to Marguerite of Valois, worked as an informant for Catherine de' Medici as a member of her "Flying Squadron"
Margaret of Valois
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Margaret of Valois, popularly known as La Reine Margot, was a French princess of the Valois dynasty who became Queen of Navarre by marriage to Henry III of Navarre and then also Queen of France at her husband's 1589 accession to the latter throne as Henry IV.
Margaret of Valois
Margaret of Valois
Catherine de Medici with her children in 1561: Francis, Charles IX, Margaret and Henry III.
Catherine de Medici with her children in 1561: Francis, Charles IX, Margaret and Henry III.
Princess Margaret of Valois. Portrait by François Clouet, 16th century. Margaret was considered in her time beautiful, cultured, refined and flirtatio
Princess Margaret of Valois. Portrait by François Clouet, 16th century. Margaret was considered in her time beautiful, cultured, refined and flirtatious: for this she was called the "pearl of the Valois".
Henry of Navarre and Margaret of Valois
Henry of Navarre and Margaret of Valois