Transcript: Long May They Reign: Elisabeth of Valois

00:00:26 Welcome to the podcast where we talk about nobility, from dukes to duchesses to kings to queens to princes to princesses to way more. No stone is left unturned. I'm your host, Grace White. Elisabeth of Valois was born on April 2nd, 1546, to Henry the Second of France and Catherine de Medici. Elizabeth's childhood was spent in the French royal nursery, where her father demanded she share her room with her future sister in law, Mary, Queen of Scots, who was about three years older. Although Elizabeth had to give pregnancy to Mary, since Mary was already a crowned queen, the two would remain close friends for the rest of their lives. She was described as being shy, timid, and very much in awe of her formidable mother. Even as there is evidence in letters that Catherine was tender and loving towards her, while it was a knowledge that her sister Margaret, in her future sister in law Mary, were both prettier than she, Elizabeth was nevertheless Still considered one of Catherine's attractive daughters. Elizabeth married Philip the second.

00:02:16 Of Spain, on June 22nd, 1559. His second wife, Mary, the first of England, had recently died, making Elizabeth of Valois was Philip's third wife. Philip was completely enchanted by his 14 year old bride, and by 1564 had given up his infidelity despite the significant age difference. Elizabeth was quite pleased with her husband in letters to her mother. She proclaimed herself to be fortunate to have married such a charming prince. Philip was very attached to Elizabeth's stand by her. side even when she was ill with smallpox. Elizabeth's first pregnancy in 1560 resulted in a stillborn son soon following. In 1564 was a miscarriage of twin girls. She later gave birth to the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia. On the 12th of August, 1566, and then to Isabella's younger sister, Catalina Michaela, on the 10th of October, 1567. Philip and Elizabeth were very close to both of their daughters, buying them jams, dolls, toys and more. It is said that both rejoiced at the birth of Isabella, as if it had been the birth of a son.

00:04:25 Elizabeth corresponded with her. Former sister in law, Mary Stuart, who suggested that her infant son James to be smuggled out of Scotland and brought to Spain. James would then be raised at the Spanish court and marry one of Elizabeth's daughters. By the time Mary's letter reached Spain. Elizabeth suffered another stillbirth on the 3rd of October 1568, and died the same day along with her newborn infant daughter. At the death of Elizabeth. Catherine de Medici. Offered her younger daughter Margaret as a bride for Philip. Philip declined the offer. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoyed this episode. Please make sure you follow, like and comment, as well as follow us on all our social media platforms and listen on all your favorite listening platforms. Thank you for listening and bye.