alternatehistory.com

IOTL Charles IX of France and Elisabeth of Austria had only a daughter, Mary Elisabeth, who died at five-years-old. However, he also had a son with his mistress Marie Touchet, named Charles, duke of Angouleme. He lived from 1573 to 1650, and had three children.

So, WI Charles IX was luckier, and his legitimate issue with Elisabeth of Austria had been a male heir who lives as long as Charles' illegitimate son? He would be born in 1572 instead of Mary Elisabeth, but would die in 1649. Charles IX would still die in 1574, leaving his two-years-old son as the new king of France (let's call him Charles X). Who would be the regent? Would the IOTL Henry III still leave Poland in this case? And how a regency and a young king would affect the War of Religion, with no Henry III nor Henry IV?
Top