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Louise de Lorraine-VaudemontWife of Henry III of Valois and French queen from 1575 to 1589
Date of Birth: 30.04.1553
Country:  France |
Content:
Biography of Louise of Lorraine-Vaudémont
Louise of Lorraine-Vaudémont was born on April 30, 1553, in Château de Nomeny in Lorraine. She was the first child of Nicolas of Lorraine, Count of Vaudémont and Duke of Mercœur, and Margaret of Egmond, who came from a noble Dutch family. Tragically, Louise's mother passed away when she was just a year old. Her father's second wife, Jeanne of Savoy, became very attached to Louise and provided her with an excellent education.
Meeting with Henry III
Henry of Valois, the future King Henry III of France, first saw Louise when he was the Duke of Anjou at the court of Charles III, Duke of Lorraine. He was deeply impressed by the touching and gentle beauty of the tall, fair-haired girl with lovely light brown, slightly near-sighted eyes. Henry wanted to marry a tender and meek girl who would be a faithful helper to him, as he did not want to lose his independence or marry a dominant woman.
In January 1575, Henry officially proposed to Louise, and soon after, she became his wife.
Reign as Queen
As queen, Louise did not participate in state affairs, although she possessed intelligence. However, Henry III occasionally invited her to council meetings. She was a loyal companion to Henry III, sincerely loving him and providing him with solace.
Unfortunately, Henry III's reign ended tragically when he was assassinated by a fanatical monk on August 1, 1589. He died without leaving a direct heir. Louise never removed her mourning attire and became known as the "White Queen."
On January 29, 1601, Louise of Lorraine-Vaudémont passed away in Château de Moulins.
