The day Catherine de' Medici died in 1589
A queen between power and dark legends Catherine de’ Medici (1519–1589) remains one of the most fascinating women in French royal history. Born in Florence into the powerful Medici family, she later became Queen of France, wife of King Henry II, and mother of three French kings. Her life story combines royal splendour, political strategy, and enduring tales of mystery that continue to intrigue royal enthusiasts worldwide. Key dates • 13 April 1519 – born in Florence • 1533 – marries Henry, Duke of Orléans • 1547 – becomes Queen Consort of France • 1559 – death of Henry II, Catherine becomes Queen Mother • 24 August 1572 – St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre • 5 January 1589 – death of Catherine de’ Medici in Blois From Florence to the French court Raised in the cultured world of the Italian Renaissance, Catherine married into the Valois dynasty in 1533. When Henry II became king in 1547, she stepped fully into the world of French royalty. After his sudden death in 1559, Catherine emerged as...
