Charles III, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles III |
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|---|---|
| Marquis of Pont-à-Mousson | |
Oil on panel portrait by studio of François Clouet
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| Duke of Lorraine and Bar | |
| Reign | 12 June 1545 – 14 May 1608 |
| Predecessor | Francis I |
| Successor | Henry II |
| Born | 18 February 1543 Ducal Palace of Nancy |
| Died | 14 May 1608 (aged 65) |
| Spouse |
Claude of Valois
(m. 1559; died 1575) |
| Issue |
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| House | Lorraine |
| Father | Francis I, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Christina of Denmark |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Charles III (born February 18, 1543 – died May 14, 1608) was known as the Great. He was the Duke of Lorraine from 1545 until his death.
Contents
Early Life and Childhood
Charles III was the oldest son of Francis I, Duke of Lorraine, and Christina of Denmark. His father passed away in 1545. After this, his mother, Christina, became the ruler for him while he was still a child.
During his childhood, his great-grandmother, Philippa of Gelderland, died in 1547. She left her lands and wealth to young Charles. His family also claimed the title of King of Jerusalem. They also used the title of Duke of Calabria. This showed their claim to the Kingdom of Naples. They also had a claim to the Duchy of Gelderland. This was inherited from Charles of Egmont, Duke of Gelderland.
Becoming Duke
In 1552, France invaded Lorraine. His mother's rule as regent ended. Charles was taken from Lorraine to France. He was raised at the French royal court. This was done to serve French interests.
In 1558, Charles attended the wedding of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Francis, Dauphin of France. He helped pay for a special show with pageant ships. He even danced with his future wife, Claude of France. They married in 1559. After his marriage, he was allowed to return to Lorraine. He then took control of his duchy.
His Reign and Achievements
Charles III's time as duke is seen as a period of peace and wealth for Lorraine. He decided to stay neutral between France and the Holy Roman Empire. He also remained neutral during the French Wars of Religion.
He founded the University of Pount-a-Mousson. This was an important step for education in his lands. He also made his territory bigger. In 1590, he added Pfalzburg. He got this land from George John I, Count Palatine of Veldenz. He also tried to take Lützelstein. But George John I's widow, Anna of Sweden, was able to arrange a truce.
In 1589, Charles changed his neutral policy. He joined the French Catholic League. As a Catholic, he could not accept Henry of Navarre as the new king of France. In 1594, he made peace with Henry. As part of this peace, his son married Henry's sister, Catherine de Bourbon.
Family Life
Charles III married Claude of Valois. She was a princess of France. Her parents were King Henry II and Catherine de' Medici.
They had several children:
- Henry II, Duke of Lorraine (1563–1624): He became Duke after his father. He married Catherine de Bourbon and Margerita Gonzaga.
- Christine (1565–1637): She married Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
- Charles (1567–1607): He became a Cardinal and a Bishop.
- Antoinette (1568–1610): She married John William, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg.
- Anne (1569–1576)
- Francis II, Duke of Lorraine (1572–1632): He married Christina of Salm.
- Catherine (1573–1648): She became an Abbess.
- Elisabeth Renata (1574–1635): She married Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria.
- Claude (1575–1576)
Images for kids
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Charles III and his wife Claude of France.
See also
Succession
| Preceded by Francis I |
Duke of Lorraine and Bar Marquis of Pont-à-Mousson 1545–1608 |
Succeeded by Henry II |
