Francois Duke of Anjou

Francois, Duke of Anjou was born as the youngest son of King Henry II and Catherine de Medici. Originally named Hercule, he was scarred by smallpox as a child and considered the least favored of the royal children.

King Henry II died from a jousting wound, plunging France into decades of religious civil war. Young Francois grew up amid the chaos of the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Huguenots.

Francois received education at the French court under his mothers supervision. Despite his physical unattractiveness, he developed political ambition and learned to navigate court intrigue.

Francois witnessed the St. Bartholomews Day Massacre that killed thousands of Huguenots. The horror of this event may have influenced his later moderate political stance.

When his brother became Henry III, Francois received the duchy of Alencon. He emerged as a political figure, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to both Catholic and Protestant extremists.

Francois escaped from court and joined the Malcontents, a coalition of moderate Catholics and Protestants. His defection embarrassed Henry III and strengthened the opposition.

Francois rebellion forced Henry III to grant the Peace of Monsieur, giving significant concessions to Huguenots. This demonstrated his political leverage as heir presumptive.

Francois received the more prestigious duchy of Anjou and took the name Francois. He became the most important prince of the blood and a major player in European politics.

Francois began courting Queen Elizabeth I of England, who affectionately called him her Frog. Despite the age difference, Elizabeth seemed genuinely fond of him and marriage negotiations proceeded seriously.

Francois visited Elizabeth in England, and they exchanged rings in what appeared to be an engagement ceremony. However, English opposition to a Catholic king consort ultimately doomed the match.

The Dutch rebels against Spain offered Francois sovereignty over the Netherlands. He was inaugurated as Duke of Brabant in Antwerp, hoping to establish an independent realm with English support.

Francois attempted to seize Antwerp by force in the French Fury, but his troops were massacred by the citizens. This disaster destroyed his reputation and ended his hopes in the Netherlands.

Francois returned to France humiliated and ill. His health deteriorated rapidly, possibly from tuberculosis, and his political career was effectively over.

Francois died of tuberculosis at age 29. His death made the Protestant Henry of Navarre heir to the French throne, triggering the final phase of the Wars of Religion and eventually bringing the Bourbon dynasty to power.