Catherine de Medici, daughter of Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici, the ruler of Florence, and his wife Madeleine de la Tour d’Auvergne, Countess of Boulogne, became the Queen of France in 1547. Despite losing her parents at a young age, Catherine received a good education and grew up to be an artistic, intelligent, and extroverted girl. After her uncle, Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici, who later became Pope Clement VII, housed her in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, he arranged her marriage to Francis I of France’s second son, Henry, Duke of Orléans. Although their marriage faced challenges due to Catherine’s initial inability to bear children, she eventually gave birth to ten children. Catherine’s true power as a political figure emerged after the death of King Henry II in 1559, when she became the queen mother and exercised significant political control. As one of the most influential women in 16th century Europe, Catherine de Medici left a lasting impact on French history.
Quick Facts
- Born in April
- Also known as Caterina Maria Romula di Lorenzo de’ Medici
- Died at age 69
- Spouse/Ex-: Henry II of France
- Father: Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino
- Mother: Madeleine de La Tour d’Auvergne
- Children: Charles IX of France, Claude of France, Duke of Anjou, Elisabeth of Valois, Francis, Francis II of France, Henry III of France, Joan of France, Louis of Valois, Margaret of France, Victoria of France
- Born in Italy
- Empresses & Queens
- French Women
- Died on January 5, 1589
- Place of death: Blois, France
- Cause of Death: Pleurisy
- City: Florence, Italy
Childhood & Early Life
Catherine de Medici was born on 13 April 1519 in Florence, Italy. Her parents were Lorenzo II de’ Medici, the Duke of Urbino and ruler of Florence, and Madeleine de la Tour d’Auvergne, a member of a prominent French noble family. Unfortunately, both of Catherine’s parents passed away when she was just a baby. She was initially raised by her paternal grandmother and later went to live with her aunt after her grandmother’s death. Eventually, her uncle, Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici, who became Pope Clement VII, arranged for her to live in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. In 1527, the Medici family was overthrown in Florence, and Catherine spent the next few years in various convents before being summoned by Clement to join him in Rome.
Later Years
Clement received a proposal for Catherine’s marriage from Francis I of France, who asked for her hand for his second son, Henry, Duke of Orléans. Catherine and Henry, both 14 years old at the time, were married in a grand ceremony on 28 October 1533. When King Francis I died in 1547, Henry became King Henry II of France, and Catherine became queen consort. However, Catherine had little power as queen because she was overshadowed by her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. King Henry II openly displayed his love for Diane and showered her with attention and gifts.
In June 1559, King Henry II was severely wounded during a jousting match and eventually died on 10 July 1559. Catherine now had to take on the role of queen mother as her sickly 15-year-old son, Francis II, became the king. After Francis II’s premature death in 1560, his nine-year-old brother, Charles IX, became the king, and Catherine was appointed as the governor of France. Acting as a regent on behalf of the young king, Catherine presided over the council, formulated policies, and managed state affairs. Even after Charles IX came of age, Catherine continued to wield great power.
Another tragedy struck when Charles IX died in 1574 at the age of 23. He was succeeded by his brother, Henry III, who became the king. Henry III heavily relied on his mother for advice on politics and administration throughout his reign.
Major Work
Although Catherine de Medici was never able to rule France as its monarch due to the Salic Law, which prohibited women from succeeding to the throne, she ruled the nation as its regent for nearly 30 years. Two of her sons, Francis II and Charles IX, became kings at a young age, and Catherine, as the queen mother, governed the kingdom on their behalf. Even when Henry III became king as an adult, he continued to depend on his mother for advice on politics and administration.
Personal Life & Legacy
Catherine de Medici married Henry, Duke of Orléans, in October 1533. They were childless for the first ten years of their marriage, but eventually, Catherine gave birth to ten children. Unfortunately, many of her children died at a young age. Catherine de Medici passed away on 5 January 1589 at the age of 69. The cause of her death is believed to be pleurisy.