scotlandsladies:The Ladies ♕ Queen Consorts [20/25]↳ Madeleine of Valois (1520 -1537), Queen Consort

scotlandsladies:The Ladies ♕ Queen Consorts [20/25]↳ Madeleine of Valois (1520 -1537), Queen Consort from 1537 to 1537Madeleine was born on 10 August 1520 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. She was the fifth child and third daughter of Francis I of France and Claude, Duchess of Brittany.From the time of her birth, her health was delicate and her parents decided she should live in warmer climate, the valley of the River Loire was the chosen place. After her mother’s death in 1524, Madeleine and her younger sister Marguerite were raised bytheir paternal auntMarguerite of Navarre. By 1530, the two sisters were placed in their stepmother Eleanor of Austria’s household. At the same time, negotiations for a Scottish marriage began. Because of Madeleine’s health, Francis I proposed that Mary of Bourbon should take her place. When James V visited France to meet Mary, he and Madeleine fell in love instead and insisted on marrying one another. Francis was reluctant at first due to Madeleine’s health, but soon decided to give in. On 1 January 1537, they were married at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Along with being given a considerable dowry, Madeleine was to renounce her claim and any of her heirs claim to the French throne. After months of celebrations, the couple set sail from France in the Spring. In preparation for Madeleine’s arrival, James had ordered improvements to Falkland Palace, made enhancements to the Chapel Royal and was planning a new tennis court. He also built a new tower at Holyroodhouse in the French style. The couple arrived in Scotland on 19 May 1537. It is said that Madeleine fell to her knees and kissed the Earth, giving thanks for arriving in her husband’s kingdom.Having been already very ill during the departure from France, Madeleine’s condition worsened after she arrived.She is alleged to have bemoaned ‘Alas that I wished to be queen’. Madeleine was severely ill by June, suffering frightening bouts of fever and catarrh. It is even believedthat she suffered from tuberculosis. On 8 June, she wrote to her father saying that she felt better and that her symptoms subsided, along with news of her planned coronation. Despite a brief month of recovery,Madeleine died in James’ arms on 7 July 1537, at Holyrood House. She was buried at Holyrood Abbey. Not to long after, James re-married a friend of Madeleine’s, Marie of Guise. When James died, in 1542, he was buried beside his first wife. -- source link

More pics about