The Valois Children: Louise of Savoy
Château Royal d'Amboise. Mark Playle.
In 1483 two little girls arrived at Château Amboise to be brought up by the Regent of France, Anne of Beaujeu.
Although Anne was her first cousin, Louise of Savoy, seven years old, was the poor relation at Court. As was Philibert, her four year old brother.
The other, Margaret of Austria, three years old, was raised in splendour, groomed to be the next Queen of France as the wife of Charles VIII.
Louise was very aware of her situation. It’s said she was allowed one new dress every birthday where as Margaret’s wardrobe was sumptuous.
As things turned out, Margaret never did become Queen. Charles married someone else. She was no luckier with her next husband either. He died young.
By now Philibert was the duke of Savoy. In a twist of Fate he became Margaret’s second husband (third if you count being jilted by Charles).
In another twist of Fate, Louise ended up being as richly dressed as Margaret.
Charles VIII died without an heir.
The throne went to Louis XII.
His cousin, Louise’s husband, from the Valois-Orléans branch of the House of Valois was next in line but he died before the King. Her son Francis took his place in the pecking order if the King died with no heir.
He did.
Her son became King of France.
Louise, like Anne of Beaujeu before her, was Regent whenever he was out of the country.
She and her childhood playmate met up again when both were powerful women.
Margaret was Regent of the Netherlands for her nephew Charles V.
He and Francis were sworn enemies, always at war. Neither would back down. Neither would lose face so Louise and Margaret negotiated what became known as The Ladies Peace to end their squabbling.
Post by Pamela (BA History of Art).
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A Royal Childhood In The Loire Valley
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