Henry IV's succession to the French throne in 1589 was followed by a war of succession to establish his legitimacy, which was part of the French Wars of Religion. He inherited the throne after the ass
King Henry IV of France, until 1589 known as Henry of Navarre. 17th century engraving by Henri Goltzius.
Château of Pau, where Henry of Navarre was born in 1553
Charles of Lorraine, Duke of Mayenne
Henry IV of France touching for scrofula, in an engraving of 1609
Charles de Bourbon, known as the Cardinal de Bourbon, was a French noble and prelate. He was the Archbishop of Rouen from 1550 and the Catholic Ligue candidate for King of France as Charles X from 158
Succession of Henry IV of France
…of leading Catholic nobles and prelates who opposed the Protestant Henry of Navarre as heir to the throne. Instead, they recognized Henry's uncle Charles of Bourbon as the heir, and on Henry III's assassination they declared Charles king. As a result, Henry IV was forced to fight a civil war to assert his position…
Portrait of Cardinal Bourbon
Medal featuring a portrait of Charles as king
1595 gold coin issued posthumously in Charles X's name