Catherine of Cleves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine |
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| Duchess consort of Guise suo jure Countess of Eu |
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| Born | 1548 |
| Died | 11 May 1633 (aged 84–85) Château d'Eu, France |
| Spouse | Henri de Lorraine, Duke of Guise |
| Issue Detail |
Charles, Duke of Guise Louis III, Cardinal of Guise Claude, Duke of Chevreuse François Alexandre, Knight of the Order of Malta Renée, Abbess of St. Pierre Jeanne, Abbess of Jouarre Louise Marguerite, Princess of Conti |
| House | La Marck |
| Father | Francis I, Duke of Nevers |
| Mother | Marguerite de Bourbon |
Catherine de Clèves (born in 1548, died on May 11, 1633) was a very important noblewoman in France. She was known as the Countess of Eu in her own right. She married Henry, Duke of Guise, who was a powerful leader. Because of her marriage, she became the Duchess of Guise. Catherine was a key figure in the influential House of Guise family.
Contents
Life of Catherine de Clèves
Catherine was the second daughter of François de Clèves, who was the Duke of Nevers. Her mother was Marguerite de Bourbon. This made Catherine a cousin to Henry of Navarre, who later became King of France.
Early Marriages and Family
When Catherine was twelve years old, she married Antoine de Croÿ. He passed away seven years later. After a period of mourning, Catherine married Henri de Lorraine, Duke of Guise, on October 4, 1570. Henry was two years younger than her. Together, they had fourteen children. Two of their notable children were Charles, Duke of Guise and Louis III, Cardinal of Guise.
Role in French Politics
Henry of Guise was a strong leader of the Catholic group during the French Wars of Religion. These wars were a series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France. From 1584, a major part of this conflict was called the War of the Three Henrys. This war involved three powerful leaders, all named Henry: Henry of Guise, Henry of Navarre, and King Henry III of France.
In 1588, King Henry III ordered the death of Henry of Guise. Catherine was deeply upset by this event. She never forgave King Henry III for his role in her husband's death. She became very involved in the political plans of the Catholic League. This group was against King Henry III. After the War of the Three Henrys ended, Catherine focused on protecting her large family's interests. She supported her son Charles as a possible candidate for the French throne.
Later Life and Influence
Catherine made peace with her cousin, Henry IV, after he became Catholic. She then moved to Paris and gained an important position in the court of his wife, Marie de' Medici. In 1613, Catherine helped her son, François Alexandre. He had been involved in a duel and she asked for him to be sent away from France instead of facing a harsher punishment.
The Guise family continued to support the Queen during the time she ruled for her young son. Catherine followed Marie into exile in Blois after Louis XIII took full control of the government in 1619. When she returned to the Louvre, Catherine continued to work to promote the interests of the House of Guise. She also worked against Cardinal Richelieu, who was a powerful minister.
Catherine's youngest daughter, Louise Marguerite, passed away. This was a sad event for Catherine. She then retired to her home, the château d'Eu. She died there at the age of 85. Catherine was buried at the château next to her husband's tomb.
Children of Catherine and Henry
Catherine and Henry de Lorraine, Duke of Guise, were married on October 4, 1570, in Paris. They had fourteen children:
- Charles, Duke of Guise (1571–1640)
- Henri (born 1572, died 1574)
- Catherine (born 1573, died at birth)
- Louis III, Cardinal of Guise (1575–1621), who became the Archbishop of Reims
- Charles (born 1576, died at birth)
- Marie (born 1577, died 1582)
- Claude, Duke of Chevreuse (1578–1657)
- Catherine (born 1579), died young
- Christine (born 1580, died at birth)
- François (born 1581, died 1582)
- Renée (1585–1626), who became the Abbess of St. Pierre
- Jeanne (1586–1638), who became the Abbess of Jouarre
- Louise Marguerite (1588–1631), who married François, Prince of Conti
- François Alexandre (1589–1614), a Knight of the Order of Malta
Images for kids
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Catherine de Clèves
See also
In Spanish: Catalina de Cléveris para niños
