Elisabeth of France (1602–1644) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Elisabeth of France
Portrait by Diego de Velázquez
Queen consort of Spain
Tenure	31 March 1621 – 6 October 1644
Queen consort of Portugal
Tenure	31 March 1621 – 1 December 1640

Born	(1602-11-22)22 November 1602 Palace of Fontainebleau, France
Died	6 October 1644(1644-10-06) (aged 41) Royal Alcazar of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Burial	El Escorial
Spouse	Philip IV of Spain (m. 1615)
Issue more...	Balthasar Charles, Prince of Asturias Maria Theresa, Queen of France
House	Bourbon
Father	Henry IV of France
Mother	Marie de' Medici
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Coat of Arms of Elisabeth of France as Queen Consort of Spain

Elisabeth of France (born 22 November 1602 – died 6 October 1644) was a queen who ruled in two countries. She was the Queen of Spain from 1621 until her death. She was also the Queen of Portugal from 1621 to 1640. She became queen by marrying King Philip IV of Spain. Elisabeth also served as a regent of Spain, meaning she ruled for the king, during the Catalan Revolt in 1640–42 and again in 1643–44.

Her Early Life
Her Royal Marriage
Becoming Queen
Her Children
Gallery
Ancestors
See also

Her Early Life

Elisabeth as a young girl in France

Elisabeth was born at the Palace of Fontainebleau in France on 22 November 1602. She was the oldest daughter of King Henry IV of France and his second wife, Marie de' Medici. As a princess of France, she was known as Madame Royale.

She spent her early years at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. This was a quiet place away from the busy court in Paris. She studied and played with her brothers and sisters there. Her brother, the Dauphin, was very close to her.

In 1610, her father King Henry IV was killed. Her brother became King Louis XIII of France. Their mother, Marie de' Medici, ruled for him until he was old enough.

In 1612, when Elisabeth was ten, plans began for a special double marriage. Elisabeth would marry the future King of Spain, Philip IV of Spain. Her brother Louis would marry the Spanish princess Anne of Austria. This was a way to create peace between France and Spain.

Her Royal Marriage

Elisabeth and her brother Louis met their future spouses for the first time on 25 November 1615. This meeting happened on Pheasant Island, a small island between France and Spain. This was the last time Elisabeth saw her brother.

In Spain, her French name Elisabeth became Isabel. The wedding ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Burgos. At just thirteen years old, Isabel became the Princess of Asturias. This was the title for the future queen of Spain.

These royal marriages were a common way to make alliances between powerful countries. This tradition helped keep peace between France and Spain.

Becoming Queen

Elisabeth was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kind personality. This made her very popular in Spain.

In 1621, Elisabeth and Philip became the King and Queen of Spain. This happened after King Philip III of Spain passed away.

Elisabeth became more involved in state affairs later in her reign. She served as regent for the king when he was away fighting in the Catalan Revolt. She was praised for her efforts during this time.

She was also thought to have played a role in the removal of the king's powerful advisor, the Count-Duke of Olivares. This was part of a plan by several important women at court.

When the king left for the front again in 1643, Elisabeth was once more appointed regent. She was in charge of helping to provide supplies for the troops. She also worked with banks to get money for the army. She even offered her own jewelry as security. People said she wanted to lead her own army, like Queen Isabella I of Castile once did.

Queen Elisabeth died in Madrid on 6 October 1644. She was forty-one years old. She left behind two children: Balthasar Charles and Maria Theresa. After her death, her husband married his niece, Mariana of Austria.

Elisabeth's daughter, Maria Theresa, later became Queen of France. She married her cousin, the future King Louis XIV. This marriage helped bring peace between Spain and France. Elisabeth is an ancestor of many Spanish monarchs who came after her.

Her Children

Elisabeth and Philip had several children, but only two lived to adulthood:

Balthasar Charles of Austria, Prince of Asturias (born 17 October 1629 – died 9 October 1646). He was the heir to the throne.
Maria Theresa of Austria, Infanta of Spain (born 10 September 1638 – died 30 July 1683). She married Louis XIV of France and had children.