Cunning Facts About Mary Of Guise, The Ruthless Regent
Mary of Guise could never have imagined she would have a major role in history. Little did she know, circumstances would toss her into the cutthroat world of European politics.
Despite her unlikely rise to power, Mary soon proved that she was one tough woman who could cut it in a man’s world.
1. She Had Noble Roots
Mary of Guise was born at Bar-le-Duc, Lorraine on May 9, 1538, to Claude, Duke of Guise and Antoinette de Bourbon. Her family, a branch of the powerful House of Lorraine, was one of France’s most prominent noble lines.
But while she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, her family's connections came with a whole host of...complications.
2. She Became A Young Mother
As a child, Mary became a mother—well, a godmother, at least. At the age of five, she became one to her younger sister Louise. Soon after, she went to live with her paternal grandmother, the revered Philippa of Guelders, in a convent at Pont-à-Mousson. She spent the next decade there, seeing little of her family—until she received a timely visit from an uncle and aunt that would put her on a path to destiny.
3. She Reached Great Heights
Mary became known for her great stature. At nearly six feet tall, very few men of her time could match her height, let alone women. When her uncle, the powerful Duke of Lorraine, and his wife visited her at the convent, they decided she had the right attributes. It was time for Mary of Guise to start playing the game of thrones. After some preparation, she made her debut at the wedding of Francis I and Eleanor of Austria.
4. She Made Her Mark
Mary made quite the impression on the French court. Soon, she became part of the royal family’s inner circle, and developed a friendship with the king’s daughters, Madeleine and Margaret.
None of them realized it yet, but their destinies would soon be intertwined. As fate would have it, Mary and Madeleine would later share much more than just a friendship...
