Charlotte of Albret facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlotte of Albret
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Tomb and effigy of Charlotte of Albret
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| Born | 1480 France |
| Died | 11 March 1514 (aged 33–34) The Chateau of La Motte-Feuilly, France |
| Noble family | Albret (by birth) Borgia (by marriage) |
| Spouse(s) | Cesare Borgia, Duke of Valentinois |
| Issue | Louise Borgia, Duchess of Valentinois |
| Father | Alain I of Albret, Lord of Albret |
| Mother | Frances, Countess of Périgord |
Charlotte of Albret (born 1480 – died 11 March 1514) was an important French noblewoman. She was known as the Lady of Châlus. Charlotte belonged to the powerful Albret family. Her brother was John III of Navarre, who became King of Navarre. In 1499, she married Cesare Borgia, a powerful duke. Charlotte was the mother of his only official child, Louise Borgia. After Cesare's death, Charlotte helped rule for their daughter Louise.
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Charlotte's Family Background
Charlotte was born in France in 1480. Her father was Alain I of Albret, the Lord of Albret. Her mother was Frances, Countess of Périgord. Charlotte came from a very old and important family. One of her ancestors was Charles d'Albret. He was a top military leader in France. He led French troops in the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Charlotte had six brothers and sisters. Her brother John became King of Navarre. This happened when he married Catherine of Navarre.
Marriage to Cesare Borgia
Charlotte's marriage was a big political event. King Louis XII of France wanted to make his kingdom stronger. He needed to make friends with powerful families. At the same time, the King of Navarre, Charlotte's brother, wanted peace with France.
The Pope also played a role in these plans. He needed a royal princess to marry his son, Cesare Borgia. So, the King of Navarre suggested Charlotte. This marriage would help create a strong friendship between their families and the Pope. It would also help solve some disagreements about church leaders in Navarre.
The wedding contract was agreed upon in the spring of 1499. On May 10, 1499, Charlotte married Cesare Borgia. She was 19 years old. Cesare was the son of Pope Alexander VI. King Louis XII of France had recently made Cesare the Duke of Valentinois. Their marriage was a political alliance. It was meant to make Cesare's ties with France stronger.
Cesare did not stay long with Charlotte. He left for Italy soon after their wedding. He went to join King Louis in his invasion of Italy. Cesare never returned to see his newborn daughter.
Charlotte was known for being "beautiful and rich." In 1504, she gained ownership of several properties. These included Feusines, Néret, and La Motte-Feuilly.
Charlotte and Her Daughter
Charlotte and Cesare had one daughter together:
- Louise Borgia (born May 17, 1500 – died 1553). She became the Duchess of Valentinois after her father. Louise married twice. First, she married Louis II de la Trémoille in 1517. Later, she married Philippe de Bourbon in 1530. She had children with her second husband.
Cesare Borgia died on March 12, 1507. He was fighting in the city of Viana. He was helping Charlotte's brother, the King of Navarre. After Cesare's death, Charlotte became the regent for their daughter, Louise. This meant Charlotte helped rule Louise's lands until Louise was old enough.
Charlotte died almost seven years later. She passed away on March 11, 1514. She was at the Chateau of La Motte-Feuilly. Charlotte was buried in a tomb at the church there.
Today, many people are descendants of Charlotte of Albret and Cesare Borgia. This includes Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma.
See also
In Spanish: Carlota de Albret para niños
