Then, after a full decade, Catherine’s fortunes transformed. Between 1544 and 1556, she bore ten children, ensuring the continuation of the Valois line. When Francis I died in 1547 and her husband ascended the throne as Henry II, Catherine became Queen of France. Though Henry still favored Diane, Catherine’s role was secure—her primary duty as a royal broodmare magnificently fulfilled.
But her true political rise would only begin with tragedy.
The Sudden Rise to Power: Catherine as Queen Mother
Henry II died unexpectedly in 1559 after a jousting accident. Their eldest son, the sickly 15-year-old Francis II, became king, married to the formidable Mary, Queen of Scots. With the powerful Guise family (Mary’s uncles) dominating the court, Catherine’s influence was initially limited.
However, Francis II died after only 17 months on the throne. The crown passed to the 10-year-old Charles IX, and Catherine assumed the regency as queen mother. Now, she wielded direct power—nominally on behalf of her son, but effectively as ruler of France.
This began a nearly three-decade period in which Catherine was the central political figure in France, serving as regent or chief advisor under Charles IX and later her youngest son, Henry III. shutdown123