Diane de France

Born in 1539, Diane was the daughter of King Henri II. However, it is disputed whether she is the daughter of Herni II favorite Mistress Diane de Poitiers or a Piedmontese woman named Filippa Duci. Personally, I’m partial to Diane de Poitiers, but that is probably because I adore her.

Legitimized in 1547, Diane was known for her courage, tolerance, culture, intelligence and beauty along with being a perfect horsewoman, dancer, played several musical instruments and knew Spanish and Italian. The Constable of France, Anne Montmorency, claimed that out of all of Henri II’s children, Diane was the only one who resembled her father. This statement enraged the Queen Catherine de Medici (who would later take her vengeance by disgracing Anne at the death of Herni II).

Diane was first married to Orazio Farnese, Duke of Castro in 1553, but was tragically widowed the same year by his death in siege of Hesdin. Wishing to assure his position as Constable in Herni II court, Anne decided to marry his eldest son François to the now widowed Diane. One problem laid in his way, François had secretly married Mademoiselle de Piennes. Through negotiations with the Pope, Anne dissolved this union and François was forced to marry the widow de France on May 3, 1559. During her 20 year marriage to François, Diane is credited to helping make François one of the leaders of the party of Politiques.

In 1579 Diane became a widow for the second time. She became the favorite sibling of King Henri III who made her Duchess of Angoulême in 1582. After Henri III death, she earned influence with Herny IV and presided over Louis XIII education.

After 81 years of life, Diane de France died at her hôtel of Angoulême. in Paris of natural causes. During her lifetime Diane was in the service during the rein of Three Kings and won the favor of those around her. Whether or not her second marriage was a happy one is not stated, and why she never had children is also unknown.