Francis I, Duke of Lorraine

Francis I (23 August 1517 – 12 June 1545) was Duke of Lorraine from 1544–1545.

History

Born in Nancy, he was the eldest son of Antoine, Duke of Lorraine and Renée of Bourbon-Montpensier, daughter of Gilbert, Count of Montpensier. He was briefly engaged in the mid-1530s to Anne of Cleves, who in 1540 would become the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England.

Francis married the princess of Denmark, Christina of Denmark. The princess was a daughter of King Christian II and Isabella of Burgundy (who had herself been a potential bride of Henry VIII). Francis died at Remiremont in 1545, leaving Christina as the Regent of Lorraine and as the guardian of their young children.

Children

By Christina of Denmark (c.1521 – 1590; married in 1541)

Name	Birth	Death	Notes
Charles	1543	1608	married Claude of Valois and had issue.
Renata	1544	1602	married William V, Duke of Bavaria and had issue.
Dorothea	1545	1621	married in 1575, Eric II, Duke of Calenberg and had no issue

See also

• Dukes of Lorraine family tree
• List of rulers of Lorraine

Francis I, Duke of Lorraine House of Lorraine Born: 23 August 1517 Died: 12 June 1545
Preceded by Anthony	Duke of Lorraine and Bar and Marquis of Pont-à-Mousson 1544–1545	Succeeded by Charles III