Antoine II

Antoine II (Basque: Antonio Albretekoa; Occitan: Antòni de Labrit; April 24th, 1582 — December 31st, 1637), was Roi de Navarre as well as sovereign of the principalities of Donnezan, Béarn and Andorre. He was the final male monarch of the Albret line of monarchs, leaving his possessions to his daughter, Catherine d'Albret. His reign, earlier controlled by the regency of his mother, Maria de Medici, saw Catholic sympathies returned to the kingdom, though it would not be till after his death that their re-entry into Navarre would be realised.
Leading a realm that was culturally and religiously divided, Antoine II spent the better half of his reign promoting religious reforms as well as subjugating the Spanish region of Upper Navarre. His tolerance towards Catholicism was heavily criticized by staunch Calvinist nobles who supported the edict banning Catholic worship. Despite this, Navarre saw an age of reconstruction and the beginnings of economic prosperity after a costly set of religious wars which plunged the kingdom into near-chaos. He was praised for his diligence in creating Protestant alliances abroad, securing an advantageous marriage with Marguerite Stuart, daughter of James VI & I of England and Scotland. 
Category:16th-century births
Category:Foreign Royals
Category:Sovereigns of Navarre
Category:House of Albret