There were a couple plots against Henri IV of France, one in 1593 and another a year later. The one a year later actually did cut him but it wasn't very deep. Let's suppose the fellow times it a little better, as he struck while Henri was bending down. Now what?
It appears the climant to the throne, the Prince of Conde (I hope I'm getting this right from Wikipedia - Conde and Conti are too close in my mind), would be about 6 years old. Who would be his regent? Perhaps Francois, Prince of Conti? Would enough people support him? It sppears the potential regent took no part in the Wars of Religion, so he might be a good choice to help the new Henri V to chart a middle ground. OTOH, that wasn't a popular thing to do in late 16th century Europe. Which might make Henri V's marriage tricky, too.
And, there aren't many Capets left after that.If the same assassain that killed Henri IV OTL kills this Henri V - or someone else does - before he sires offspring, there's Francois, Charles Count of Soissons (both of whom will die in the early 1610s) the count's son (though he may wed someone else since he'd be so close in line) and that's it! (Well, I imagine they could accept the bid that Henri IV turned down fromt he House of Courtenay to becomes princes du sang - princes of the blood)
It probably wouldn't get that far, but what would happen? A Thirty Years' War fought on French soil as much as on german seems a sad but distinct possibility.
(Edit: Sorry, didn't notice under Henry IV someone already asked this. Although it seems that the board favors this over bringing back dead threads.)
It appears the climant to the throne, the Prince of Conde (I hope I'm getting this right from Wikipedia - Conde and Conti are too close in my mind), would be about 6 years old. Who would be his regent? Perhaps Francois, Prince of Conti? Would enough people support him? It sppears the potential regent took no part in the Wars of Religion, so he might be a good choice to help the new Henri V to chart a middle ground. OTOH, that wasn't a popular thing to do in late 16th century Europe. Which might make Henri V's marriage tricky, too.
And, there aren't many Capets left after that.If the same assassain that killed Henri IV OTL kills this Henri V - or someone else does - before he sires offspring, there's Francois, Charles Count of Soissons (both of whom will die in the early 1610s) the count's son (though he may wed someone else since he'd be so close in line) and that's it! (Well, I imagine they could accept the bid that Henri IV turned down fromt he House of Courtenay to becomes princes du sang - princes of the blood)
It probably wouldn't get that far, but what would happen? A Thirty Years' War fought on French soil as much as on german seems a sad but distinct possibility.
(Edit: Sorry, didn't notice under Henry IV someone already asked this. Although it seems that the board favors this over bringing back dead threads.)
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