Henry, King of Navarre

Henry, who became King of Navarre under the title Henry III of Navarre following the death of his mother on 9 June 1572, married Marguerite de Valois, sister of King Charles IX, in Paris on 18 June 1572.

Saint-Barthélemy: 24 August 1572 in Paris © S.H.P.F.

Henri de Navarre and Marguerite de Valois © Privatsammlung

Spared during the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre on 24 August 1572 by virtue of his status as a Prince of the Blood, Henry was nevertheless compelled to abjure Protestantism.

Held virtually captive at the French court for three years, he eventually succeeded in escaping, returned to his own territories, and openly embraced the Protestant faith once more.

In 1580, during the Seventh War of Religion, Henry assumed leadership of the Protestant party. He captured the town of Cahors, whose inhabitants he deliberately spared.

In 1584, the death of the Duke of Alençon, the younger brother of King Henry III, made Henry the legitimate heir to the throne of France.

Progress in the exhibition

Previous noteTwo mistresses

6/9
Back to the exhibitions

Following note Colonial policy under Henry IV: religious and commercial objectives

Associated notes

Henri IV (1553-1610)

Henri de Navarre, devenu roi de France en 1589 sous le nom d’Henri IV, met fin aux guerres de religion et restaure la paix civile et religieuse dans le royaume.