Charles V of France - Early Life

Early Life

Charles was born at the château de Vincennes outside of Paris, France, the son of Prince John and Princess Bonne. In 1350, his grandfather King Philip VI died and his father ascended as John II. Charles then became Dauphin of France. He was the first French heir to use the title, which is named for the region of Dauphiné, acquired by Charles' grandfather, Philip VI of France. The future king was highly intelligent but physically weak, with pale skin and a thin, ill-proportioned body. He made a sharp contrast to his father—who was tall, strong and sandy-haired—and gossip at the time suggested he was not John's son.

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