Renata of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Renata of Lorraine |
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Portrait by Hans von Aachen
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| Duchess consort of Bavaria | |
| Tenure | 24 October 1579 - 15 October 1597 |
| Born | Renée de Lorraine 20 April 1544 Nancy, Duchy of Lorraine |
| Died | 22 May 1602 (aged 58) Munich, Duchy of Bavaria |
| Spouse | William V, Duke of Bavaria |
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| House | Lorraine |
| Father | Francis I, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Christina of Denmark |
Renata of Lorraine was a French noblewoman born on April 20, 1544. She belonged to the powerful House of Lorraine. Renata became the Duchess of Bavaria when she married Duke William V. She passed away on May 22, 1602, at the age of 58.
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Her Early Life and Royal Marriage Plans
Renata was born in Nancy. She was the second child and oldest daughter of Francis I, Duke of Lorraine and Christina of Denmark. People described Renata as very beautiful and a great choice for marriage.
In 1558, after his first wife died, Prince William of Orange wanted to marry Renata. Her mother, Christina, liked this idea. However, King Philip of Spain stopped this marriage from happening. Christina also turned down other marriage plans for Renata. These included a proposal from the Cardinal of Lorraine and another from the Spanish king.
In 1561, Renata's mother tried to arrange a marriage with King Frederick II of Denmark. But a war broke out between Denmark and Sweden in 1563, which stopped these plans. From 1565 to 1567, Christina talked with King Eric XIV of Sweden about a marriage between Eric and Renata. This was meant to create an alliance between Sweden and Denmark. Christina hoped to take over Denmark with Sweden's help, and Eric supported this plan.
However, the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand did not like this idea. He worried it would upset the balance of power among the German nations. The marriage alliance between Lorraine and Sweden finally ended when Eric XIV married someone who was not of noble birth in 1567.
Becoming Duchess of Bavaria
Finally, on February 22, 1568, Renata married her cousin, William, the future Duke of Bavaria. Their wedding was a huge and fancy event in Munich. It lasted for 18 days! About 5,000 riders took part in the celebrations. The famous composer Orlande de Lassus wrote music for the occasion.
Even with their grand wedding and high status, Renata and William chose to live a simple life. They focused on helping others. They moved out of the Munich Residenz, which was the royal palace. Instead, they lived in a Jesuit building near Munich. Renata spent her time caring for the sick, the poor, and religious pilgrims. Her husband fully supported her in these efforts.
Renata and William had ten children together. However, only six of them lived to become adults.
After her husband became Duke William V of Bavaria in 1579, Renata spent much of her time at the Herzogspitalkirche in Munich. This church was founded by her father-in-law. Renata died in Munich when she was 58 years old. Her grave is in St. Michael's Church in Munich. The opening of this church was a very important event for both Renata and her husband. People admired Renata so much that they thought of her as a saint, but she was never officially made a saint. Her husband, who gave up his title in 1597, lived for 24 years after her, dying in 1626.
Today, all the current kings and queens of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are direct descendants of Renata. Many other important historical figures also came from her family line.
Her Children
Renata and William had the following children:
- Christoph (born and died in 1570).
- Christine (1571 – 1580), who died as a child.
- Maximilian I (1573 – 1651), who became the Duke and Elector of Bavaria.
- Maria Anna (1574 – 1616), who married Ferdinand, the future Holy Roman Emperor.
- Philipp Wilhelm (1576 – 1598), who became the Bishop of Regensburg and a Cardinal.
- Ferdinand (1577 – 1650), who became the Archbishop and Prince-Elector of Cologne.
- Eleonore Magdalene (1578 – 1579), who died as a baby.
- Karl (1580 – 1587), who died as a child.
- Albert VI (1584 – 1666).
- Magdalene (1587 – 1628), who married Wolfgang Wilhelm, Count Palatine of Neuburg.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Renata of Lorraine by Hans von Aachen
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Renata of Lorraine
Born: 20 April 1544 Died: 22 May 1602 |
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| Royal titles | ||
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| Preceded by Anna of Austria |
Duchess consort of Bavaria 1579–1597 |
Succeeded by Elisabeth of Lorraine |
