Margherita Gonzaga was Duchess of Lorraine from 1606 until 1624 by marriage to Henry II, Duke of Lorraine. She was an agent of Pro-French and anti Protestant policy in Lorraine, and is most known for her support of her daughter Nicole's right to the Duchy of Lorraine. She also claimed her right to Monferrato during the Mantuan war of succession.

Henry II, known as "the Good ", was Duke of Lorraine from 1608 until his death. Leaving no sons, both of his daughters became Duchesses of Lorraine by marriage. He was a brother-in-law of Henry IV of France.