Catherine de’ Medici (spelled Catherine de Médicis in French and Caterina de’ Medici in Italian) was born in Florence on 13 April 1519 into the powerful Medici family and became Queen of France through her marriage to Henry II in 1533. After her husband’s death in 1559, she served as regent for her sons Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III, playing a central role in the political and cultural life of the kingdom during the Wars of Religion. A major patron of the arts and architecture, she resided at and influenced several key Loire Valley châteaux: at Blois, she maintained royal apartments during her regency and at Chenonceau, she expanded and embellished the château, making it her preferred residence. Catherine de Médicis died in Blois on 5 January 1589.
