Christine of France Facts for Kids

Christine of France (born Christine Marie; 10 February 1606 – 27 December 1663) was a French princess. She was the second daughter of King Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Christine was the sister of Louis XIII of France.

In 1619, at age fourteen, she married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy. He later became the Duke of Savoy. Christine was known for bringing French culture to Savoy. When her husband died in 1637, Christine became the regent for her young son, Francis Hyacinth. After Francis Hyacinth's death in 1638, her second son, Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, became Duke. Christine continued to rule Savoy as regent until 1648. She remained a powerful figure in the government until her death in 1663.

Early Life in France
Marriage to Victor Amadeus
Duchess of Savoy
Ruling as Regent
Later Life and Legacy
Children
Images for kids
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Early Life in France

Christine was born at the Louvre Palace in Paris. She was the third child of King Henry IV of France. Her mother was Marie de' Medici. As a king's daughter, she was called a Fille de France. Her full name was Christine Marie, but everyone called her Christine.

She was the younger sister of Louis XIII of France. Her sister, Élisabeth, became queen of Spain. After Élisabeth married in 1615, Christine became the Madame Royale. This title meant she was the oldest unmarried princess at court. She kept this title until her own marriage.

Marriage to Victor Amadeus

On 10 February 1619, Christine married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy. The wedding took place at the Louvre in Paris. Her husband was known as the Prince of Piedmont. So, Christine became the Princess of Piedmont.

Victor Amadeus was the oldest living son of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy. His mother, Catherine Michelle of Austria, had died earlier. This made Christine the most important woman at the Savoyard court when she arrived. Her husband was nineteen years older than her. Despite the age difference, they had a happy marriage. They had eight children together. Four of their children lived past childhood.

Duchess of Savoy

Victor Amadeus became the Duke of Savoy in July 1630. This happened after his father passed away. Christine then became the Duchess of Savoy. Her husband died in October 1637. He left Savoy with little money because of wars with Spain.

Ruling as Regent

When her husband died in October 1637, Christine became the regent. She ruled for her son, Francis Hyacinth, Duke of Savoy. He became the new Duke. Sadly, Francis Hyacinth died in 1638. Her second son, Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, then became Duke. Because Charles Emmanuel was very young, Christine kept her power as regent.

However, her husband's brothers, Maurice of Savoy and Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano, did not like her power. They did not trust her French friends. After Francis Hyacinth died, the brothers started the Piedmontese Civil War. They had support from Spain. There were two groups in this war. The "principisti" supported the Princes. The "madamisti" supported Christine. During her time as regent, she called herself Madama Reale. This is the Italian version of Madame Royale.

After four years of fighting, Christine won. This was thanks to military help from her brother, Louis XIII of France. She not only kept the duchy for her son, but she also made sure France did not gain too much power in Savoy. This helped her keep her own power. Peace was made in 1642. To make the peace stronger, Prince Maurice married Christine's oldest daughter, Luisa Cristina. Christine stayed in charge of Savoy until her son was old enough to rule. Her official regency ended in 1648, but she remained the main ruler of Savoy until she died.

Later Life and Legacy

Christine was known for her strong rule. She lived at the Palazzo Madama in Turin. She had this palace rebuilt. She also oversaw the rebuilding of the Castello del Valentino. Additions were made to the Royal Palace of Turin under her direction. She also owned Vigno di Madama Reale. This later became the home of Anne Marie d'Orléans.

Christine arranged for her son to marry her niece, Françoise Madeleine d'Orléans. Françoise Madeleine was very young and shy. This allowed Christine to keep her influence over Savoy and her son. Christine died shortly after her son's wedding. She was 57 years old. She was buried at the Basilica of Sant'Andrea.

Françoise Madeleine died in 1664 without children. Charles Emmanuel II remarried in 1666 to Marie Jeanne of Savoy. Marie Jeanne gave birth to Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia. He later married another French Princess, Anne Marie d'Orléans. Christine is an ancestor of many royal families today. For example, the model and actress Brooke Shields is one of her descendants.

Children

Stillborn son (1621)
Prince Louis Amadeus of Savoy (1622 - 1628)
Luisa Cristina of Savoy (27 July 1629 - 14 May 1692) married Prince Maurice of Savoy. They had no children.
Francis Hyacinth (14 September 1632 - 4 October 1638), Duke of Savoy.
Charles Emmanuel II (20 June 1634 - 12 June 1675) married Françoise Madeleine d'Orléans (no children). He then married Marie Jeanne of Savoy and had children.
Margaret Yolande of Savoy (15 November 1635 - 29 April 1663) married Ranuccio II Farnese, Duke of Parma. She died during childbirth.
Henriette Adelaide of Savoy (6 November 1636 - 18 March 1676) married Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria and had children.
Catherine Beatrice of Savoy (6 November 1636 - 26 August 1637) died as a baby.

Images for kids

Christine's signature from 1630

Christine of France facts for kids

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