Charles de Valois, Duc d'Angoulême

The younger brother of King Henri II of France died in 1545, presumably of the plague. The treaty of Crépy promised him in marriage to either the emperor's daughter or niece. That said, either marriage would've been a statistical nightmare for France with Angoulême controlling almost as much land within France as without (note: this was probably HRE Karl V's intention).

As with his eldest brother, the Dauphin, there would've been the concern of not wasting him in marriage as many believed Henri II had been to Catherine de Medici. Now Henri II's sons suffered from abysmal bad luck - one was dead by 16; one died in infancy; another was mad and left only a daughter;a third was not the man who could control France; and the youngest had no talent to rule (see French fury in the Netherlands) - in addition to their bad health (how much was inherited I don't know, but Anne of Brittany, Claude de France and Catherine de Medici were not paragons of health. Claude de Valois, duchess of Lorraine (Catherine's daughter) is said to have been cursed by inheriting all of the bad health that her mother brought with her, while La Reine Margot got off relatively scot-free.)

Who would Angoulême marry if not one of the archduchesses? Where would he come down during the wars of religion, Protestant or Catholic? What might Henri II's reign look like with Angoulême's survival?

Looking forward to thoughts and opinions.
 
Who would Angoulême marry if not one of the archduchesses?
Well, Anne of Austria seems a good deal, but if he's to give up...
There wouldn't be much choice. England is out, Scotland is out, Portugal is out. Savoy could work, but no living women in age

Probably an italian princess as d'Este marrying him instead of de Guise (it's not a particular option, just an exemple).

Where would he come down during the wars of religion, Protestant or Catholic?
Most probably Catholic. As a Valois, he would have little to no choice on that matter, would it be only for holding his interests.
If a thing united both brothers and father, it was the reject of Protestants seen as a factional and troublesome group.

What might Henri II's reign look like with Angoulême's survival?
Basing on the relation between the brothers, but as well the closeness of mindset between Charles and François, I'd say that there would be chances of both of them turning against Habsburgs
The treaty passed with Charles Quint was indeed only very partially respected (by both parties) and the threat of a separation of the kingdom is largely moot.

Maybe a less complete re-shuffle of royal administration, with François Ier men holding some positions?

I don't think Orléans would pull...well, an Orléans if you catch my drift.

That said, if he keep Bourbonnais, he will remain an important lord in France (while far less threatening than Connétable de Bourbon), and that'll impact in France, in the likely incoming Wars of Religion.
Maybe forming a more important base for the malcontent faction?
 
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