10 July 1559 – Henry ii of France Died

Henry_II_of_France.On this day in 1559, King Henry ll of France died from injuries sustained in a jousting accident. His son, Francis II and Mary, Queen of Scots become King and Queen of France.

A few things about Henry ll that you may, or may not know:

  • Henry was the second son of King Francis l of France.
  • Henry became dauphin of France upon the death of his older brother, Francis, (Dauphin) Duke of Brittany.
  • He succeeded to the throne at the age of 28.
  • He married Catherine de’ Medici – a member of the very powerful de’ Medici family in Italy. More on Catherine here.
  • Catherine and Henry ended up having three sons who held the throne of France:  Francis ll, Charles lX & Henry lll.
  • Henry had a very well-known mistress by the name of Diane de Poitiers. For more on their love story read the write up by The Tudor Enthusiast.

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