Henry de Valois, the third son of Henry II of France was elected to be King of Poland in 1573. However, when in 1574, his brother Charles IX died Henry tried to escape to France (and here begins the ATL). John Tęczyński, a Polish nobleman begged, Henry to stay. Henry tried to cross the river, but distracted by Tęczyński's ramblings, lost control over his horse and in result, died. 5 months later, when the information about death of Prince Henry, considered a king in France before (and therefore earning nickname) "Henry who was never crowned" the regent, Prince Francis is crowned as king Francis III.