Francis II of France - King of France

King of France

A year after his marriage, Francis' father, Henry II, died, and Francis, only fifteen years old, was crowned king at Reims. The crown was so heavy that nobles had to hold it in place for him. It is considered that Mary's uncles Francis, Duke of Guise and Charles of Guise may have held the real power in that period. There was a two year difference between them.

Francis II, who had always been a sickly child, died on 5 December 1560 in Orléans, Loiret, at the age of sixteen, when an ear infection worsened and caused an abscess in his brain. He is buried in Saint Denis Basilica.

He was succeeded by his brother, Charles IX (27 June 1550 – 30 May 1574).

• Francis II (age 15) with his wife Mary, Queen of Scots (age 17) in 1559.

• Royal arms of Francis II

• Royal arms of Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen consort of France

• Royal arms of Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen dowager of France