Figure 1.-- This portrait of Charles IX was painted by François Clouet shortly after Charles acceded to the throne about 1560. He was 10 years old at the time.

Charles was born Charles Maximilien in the royal chateau at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1550). He was the third son of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici. We have little information about his childhood. He and his older brother François were reportedly sickly children. Charles was styled at birth Duke of Angoulême. He was created Duke of Orléans after the death of another older brother Louis, his parents' second son who died (1550). He and his silings, The royal children. were raised under the supervision of the governor and governess of the royal children, Claude d'Urfé and Françoise d'Humières, under the supervision of Diane de Poitiers. His father died unexpectedly (1559). He was only 40 yers old. He was injured in a jousting tournamenbt and his wounds festered. He was succeeded by Charless elder brother, King Francis II. Francis's had only a brief rule. As a result, 10-year old Charles was proclaimed king (1560). All of this of course mnust have had a huge impact on his childhood and relations with hus mother. When Francis II died, the Privy Council appointed his mother, Catherine de' Medici, as governor of France conveying sweeping powers. She acted as regent for Charles. The instability resulting from the ineffectual rule reigns of the three brothers (Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III) was a factor in the wars of religion.

Created: 2:19 AM 9/1/2020
Last updated: 2:19 AM 9/1/2020