On this day, 451 years ago, on May 30, 1574 (May 11, 1574 lunar calendar), King Charles IX of France died. On May 30, 1574, King Charles IX of France died. Charles IX (formerly Charles-Maximilien, 27 June 1550 - 30 May 1574) King of the French dynasty of Valois (reigned 1560-1574). Son of Henry II and Catherine de 'Medici, born in Saint-Germain-en-Lée on the western outskirts of Paris. He was made Duke of Orleans in 1550. After the untimely death of his brother François II in 1560, Charles IX, then Duke of Orleans, was crowned King of France in Reims in 1561. He was completely under the control of his ambitious mother, Catherine de 'Medici. During the reign of Charles IX, France broke out in religious wars. Charles IX took the position of Catholics against the Huguenots. After the Huguenots gained a temporary advantage in 1570, Charles IX agreed to reconcile with them and make peace with the Huguenots' political leader, Admiral Coligny. But he finally accepted his mother's instigation in 1572, allowing Henry, Duke of Guise, to plan the massacre on the night of St. Bartholomew on August 24, 1572. Charles IX was a weak king who lived in his mother's shadow all his life. He died at Vincennes in 1574. Charles IX's younger brother, Henry III, succeeded to the throne. Family wife: Elisabeth of Austria, married 26 November 1570 Children: Mary Elisabeth (27 October 1572 - 9 April 1578) Comment: Although a weak king, he is still influenced by his decisions in French history to this day.