Catherine of Bourbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine of Bourbon |
|
|---|---|
| Regent of Béarn | |
 |
|
| Born | 7 February 1559 Paris, France |
| Died | 13 February 1604 (aged 45) Ducal Palace of Nancy, Lorraine |
| Spouse |
Henry of Lorraine
(m. 1599) |
| House | Bourbon |
| Father | Anthony, King of Navarre |
| Mother | Joan III, Queen of Navarre |
| Religion | Calvinism |
Catherine of Bourbon (born February 7, 1559 – died February 13, 1604) was a princess who served as a regent in Navarre. She was the daughter of Queen Joan III and King Anthony of Navarre. Catherine governed the principality of Béarn for her brother, King Henry III of Navarre (who later became King Henry IV of France). She held this important role from 1576 until 1596.
Early Life
Catherine was born on February 7, 1559. Her parents were Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre, and Antoine of Bourbon. She was named after her godmother, Queen Catherine de' Medici of France.
About a year after Catherine was born, her mother, Queen Jeanne, became a Calvinist. She made Calvinism the official religion of the Kingdom of Navarre. Catherine's father, Antoine, remained a Catholic. He disagreed with his wife and even threatened to divorce her. Antoine died fighting for the Catholic side in 1562.
Catherine stayed with her mother and older brother, Henry. They supported the Protestant cause. After her mother died in 1572, Catherine and Henry were placed under the care of Catherine de' Medici and King Charles IX. During a terrible event called the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, Catherine and her brother were forced to become Catholic.
After King Charles IX died in 1574, the new king, Henry III, thought about marrying Catherine. She was also almost married to James VI of Scotland. Her brother sent people to Scotland to discuss this marriage.
Political Service
Catherine's brother, who became King after their mother, was often away from Béarn. After he escaped from being held captive in 1576, he trusted Catherine to govern Béarn. She served as regent almost all the time until 1596.
As regent, Catherine had many duties. She was a strong Protestant. She even hosted Antonio Perez, a famous Spanish Catholic who had fled from King Philip II. When her brother became King of France in 1589, Catherine was given the titles Duchess of Albret and Countess of Armagnac.
In 1598, her brother asked her to join his Council. She represented the interests of French Protestants, known as Huguenots. She worked to convince the Huguenots to agree to the Edict of Nantes. This important law gave Protestants more rights in France.
Marriage and Later Life
As part of a peace treaty between King Henry IV of France and Charles III, Duke of Lorraine, Catherine was to marry Charles's older son, Henry of Lorraine. The marriage agreement was signed in 1598. However, Catherine was a dedicated Calvinist, and she refused to become a Catholic. Her future husband was a very religious Catholic.
Because of their different religions, they needed special permission from the Pope to marry. But in 1598, Pope Clement VIII said he was against the marriage. King Henry IV was not happy about this. He managed to get an archbishop to approve the marriage in 1599. Eventually, King Henry got the Pope's agreement too.
Until her nephew was born in 1601, Catherine was the next in line to the Navarrese crown. However, Catherine did not live long after her marriage. She died without having any children. Her husband later married Margherita Gonzaga.
Writings
Catherine of Bourbon was also a writer. Her works mainly include sonnets (a type of poem) and letters.
See also
In Spanish: Catalina de Borbón para niños
