Good Afternoon To Everyone,

King Henri II of France was born on March 31, 1519, in the Royal Chateau at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, as the second son, but the eldest surviving son of Francis I and his first wife, Claude de France.

He was married to Catherine de Medici on October 28, 1533, when they were both fourteen years old, in Marseilles. Catherine's uncle, Pope Clement VIII arranged that marriage when Henri's father, Francis I of France was still engaged in a long struggle against King Cjarles V. Francis I was only too glad for the opportunity to strengthen his influence in the Italian peninsula, while Pope Clement VII, ever needful to help against his too powerful protector, was equally ready to hold out some bait. So this arranged marriage cemented King Francis I's widespread influence in his kingdom. In the meantime, King Henri II had procurred a mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who was to remain faithful to him throughout Henri's married life.

Henri was crowned King of France on July 25, 2547 in the cathedral at Reims. His reign was marked by wars with Austria, and the persecution of the Protestant Hugenots. Henri II severely punished them, burning them alive or cutting out their tongues for speaking of their Protestant beliefs. Even someone suspected of being a Hugenot was imprisoned for life.

Henri II was an avid hunter and participant in jousing tournaments. On July 1, 1559, during a match to celebrate the Peace Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis with his longtime enemies, the Habsburgs of Austria and to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Elizabeth to King Philip II of Spain, King Henri's eye was pierced by a sliver that penetrated the brain, from the shattered lance of Gabriel Montgomery, captain of the King's Scottish Guard. He suffered terribly, passing away on July 10, 1559 and was buried in a cadaver tomb in St. Denis Basilica.

He was succeeded by his son, Francois II. For the next forty years following Henri II's death, Francce was filled with turbulence as his sons and other claimants to the Franch crown fought for power.

King Henri II of France and Queen Catherine de Medici had ten children:

1. King Francois, or King Francis II of France, who was born on January 19, 1544 (this was also listed as January 24, 1544). King Francis II married Mary, Queen of Scots on April 24, 2558. King Francis II died on December 05, 1560.

2. Elisabeth de France, who was born in Fontainbleau on April 02, 1545. Elisabeth married Philip II, King of Spain, as his third wife, in Toledo, Spain, on February 2, 1560. Elisabeth died on October 03, 1568.

3. Claude (or Claudia), who was born on November 12, 1547. She married Charles II, Duke of Lorraine. Claude died on February 21, 1575.

4. Louis, who was born on February 03, 1549. Louis died in October, 1549.

5. Charles Maxilien, who later became King Charles IX, King of France, was born on June 27, 2550. King Charles IX married Elizabeth of Austria in Paris, France, on November 26, 1570. King Charles IX died on May 30, 1574.

6. Edouard Alexandre, who later became King Henri III, King of France, was born on September 19, 1551. King Henri III married Louise of Lorraine-Vaudemont on February 15, 1575. King Henri III was assassinated on August 02, 1589.

7. Marguerite de Valois, who was born at Saint Germain-en-Laye on May 14, 1553. Marguerite married Henri III, King of Navarre, who later became King Henri IV, in Paris, France, on August 18, 1572. The marriage was annulled in 1599. Marguerite died in Paris, France, on March 27, 1615.

8. Hercule (Francois), Duke of Alencon and Anjou, who was born on March 18, 1555. Hercule (Francois) died on June 19, 1584.

9. Jeanne (A Twin To Victoire), who was born on June 24, 1556, and died at birth.

10. Victoire (A Twin To Jeanne), who was born on June 24, 1556, and died in August, 1556, at the age of two months.


(Courtesy of Wikipedia, Two Pages).