In spite of all sorts of weird and wonderful measures, Catherine did not become pregnant for ten years. When Henri became heir to the throne after the unexpected death of his older brother, this became a pressing issue. Francois I liked his daughter in law and refused her offer to disappear to a convent and allow Henri to remarry. Henri’s mistress Diane was also supportive. It was not in her interests to have Catherine replaced.
The problem was finally identified, a solution found, and Catherine gave birth to a son, named Francois after the King. The following year she gave birth to a daughter who would become the Queen of Spain. In all Catherine had 10 children, three of whom became Kings of France.
As King, Henri appeared to the world to be a devoted husband . His relationship with Diane seemed innocent, given their age difference.
Catherine de Medici bought the Chateau of Chaumont about three years after Henri became king. Her new chateau was exactly half way between the royal chateaux of Blois and Amboise.
Shortly after becoming King, Henri showered Diane with gifts and made her a duchess. He also gave her the Chateau of Chenonceau. When Henri died, Catherine forced Diane to swap it for her own chateau of Chaumont. Catherine turned Chenonceau into a party venue.
Although she remained the austere widow, always dressed in black, Catherine surrounded herself with beautiful young noble women—”the flying squadron” – who entertained the important men of the court and acted as spies for her.
