Catherine II

La Reine de Navarre, Marie Pacaud, c. 1654

**Catherine d’Albret** (*Basque: Katalina Albretekoa; Occitan: Catarina de Labrit*; January 1st, 1638 – present), also known as **Catherine II**, is the Reine de Navarre as well as sovereign of several principalities. She is the last monarch of the House of Albret, bringing with her an end to one of the oldest and most prestigious dynasties in Western Europe.

She was the only surviving legitimate issue of Antoine II and his consort Marguerite Stuart. Born hours after the death of her father, she was immediately thrust into the status of sovereign and known as Queen all her life. Catherine’s early childhood was governed under the regency of her astute Stuart mother, well-aware of the threats her daughter faced as a lone Calvinist monarch in Catholic Europe. At eight years old, an agreement was signed between her mother and the French government to send Catherine to Grandelumière, where she would be protected against Spanish threats against her life. She proved herself to be an intelligent and austere Queen at the Grandelumièrian court, unwavering to hatred and misogyny towards female rule which had been alien to the Kingdom of Navarre. Much of her early life in Grandelumière sought to gain Navarre rightful protections and lesser concessions, to which she had attained with great success.

A determined, self-assured and independent woman, Catherine II defied the expectations of a lady of the era. Her reign ushered in religious tolerance in Navarre amongst the Calvinists and Catholics, as well as newfound alliances with Protestant Europe. Her dedication to diversity and peace in Navarre through progressive edicts left her rule to be known as "Le Règne de la Tolérance".

## Birth, upbringing and reign

Catherine was born on New Year's Day, January 1st, 1638, at the Château de Sangüesa to Antoine II, Roi de Navarre and his wife Marguerite Stuart. The circumstances of her birth were unique and unusual, her father had died of illness a few hours before and her mother had been in labour. By midnight, Catherine d'Albret was born and confirmed as regnant of Navarre as the law had permitted female succession in the absence of male heirs. Her reign had been declared to have started in the womb, and therefore, this made her the youngest monarch ever known to history. A century earlier, the French astrologer Michel de Nostredame made a prediction popularly attributed to the succession of Catherine:

*"In the South there will be born a Queen*

*who will have little peace in her early life.*

*At this time the Papacy will be lost,*

*and she will govern the wind of change."*

By this point, differing reports on the succession in Navarre had been spreading throughout Western Europe. Accounts differed from some claiming that Catherine had died in birth to others stating that she had survived but was sickly and frail. These reports had endangered the security of the Navarrese crown, and for her protection, Catherine was whisked away to the abandoned Abbaye de Leyre until her well-being could be established by diplomats and foreign dignitaries. Marguerite Stuart was unanimously voted in as regent by virtue of being the Queen-Mother and her experience as a decisive consort. Fears of Spanish plots on her life kept Catherine in obscurity and hiding for much of her time as an infant.

### Coronation

By February 3rd, 1638, arrangements for a coronation were being made after an assassination plot was uncovered to kill the infant Queen, suspected to be linked to the Spanish Habsburgs under the justification that Catherine was born a heretic. Custom regalia was made for the small size of Catherine, as this had been the first time a Navarrese monarch was crowned so young. The coronation took place a month later on March 9th in the Église de Saint-Michel in Pau. Catherine was carried in her procession and the crown, sceptre and orb was held on her behalf by three noblemen. She was noted to be unusually calm and quiet for a babe, having done little to disrupt the ceremony. By this point, Catherine was now fully confirmed as the Queen of Navarre and accepted by the nobles, with the added sway of her regent mother.

### Life in Pau

By the decision of the Seigneur de Laruns, one of the gentlemen in charge of the protection of the young Queen, Catherine was moved to the Château de Pau, a birthplace of one of her distant cousins, Henri de Bourbon, Duc de Vendôme, a son of Jeanne d'Albret. By this stage, tensions between Spain and Navarre had calmed enough to allow Catherine a life in public, but this did not guarantee her safety. She grew up alongside her siblings, Yves and Claude d'Albret, under the supervision of Christine de Castelbajac, Dame d'Uzein and Gouvernante des Enfants Royaux.

Even with her young age and Calvinist faith, Catherine was one of the most desired marriage candidates in Europe thus far. She had numerous betrothals, including one to Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales, heir to the Kingdoms of England and Scotland. Several attempts were made by Philip IV of Spain to betroth the young Catherine to his heir, Balthasar Charles, Prince of Asturias, in hopes she would be converted to Catholicism and merge her lands with the Habsburg dominions. This was staunchly opposed by the Navarrese nobility and Marguerite Stuart herself, and Spanish ambassadors had been made unwelcome in the realm. By the end, Catherine II's marriage plans had broken down repeatedly, and she remained unbetrothed for the rest of her childhood years.

The nobility at Pau treated Catherine as though she were an adult sovereign even at her small age. She often entered into lengthy conversations with nobles and spoke with great pride of her pedigree and status as Queen. She was, however, shy and reserved in every other aspect and was thus outshone by her elder and far more vibrant half-siblings who enjoyed life equivalent to princes of Navarre.

### Traité des Couronnes

Marguerite Stuart was now facing a dilemma between keeping her daughter in Pau or sending her off for her safety. Navarre, landlocked and facing Spanish threats was now in danger of full fledged war.

## Education

Catherine's education, guided by her regent mother's unwavering commitment to her position as queen regnant, was a testament to the humanist ideals of the seventeenth century. From an early age, it became clear that Catherine possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which her mother diligently cultivated. Under the watchful eye of her tutors, Catherine's intellectual pursuits flourished. Her education encompassed a broad range of subjects, spanning both feminine and masculine fields of knowledge. This comprehensive approach ensured that she would be well-prepared to assume the responsibilities of ruling her homeland.

Catherine's linguistic abilities were particularly remarkable, becoming one of her most distinguishing attributes. By the tender age of fourteen, she had achieved an exceptional command of numerous languages, showcasing her dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. Fluent in Basque, Occitan, Béarnese, Gascon, French, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, English, German, Italian, Greek, and even some Hebrew, Catherine's linguistic abilities classified her as a hyperpolyglot. Her mastery of multiple languages opened doors to cultural exchange, diplomatic negotiations, and enhanced her ability to engage with a diverse range of individuals. Catherine's language skills were not just a testament to her intellectual capabilities but also a practical tool that enabled her to communicate effectively on the international stage, an essential advantage for landlocked Navarre.

One of the pillars of her humanist education was the study of classical literature and languages. Catherine delved into the works of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, immersing herself in the wisdom of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and others. She honed her linguistic skills by studying Latin and Greek, allowing her to read classical texts in their original languages and gaining a deep appreciation for the beauty and wisdom they contained. Moreover, Catherine's education extended beyond the classics. She explored a broad range of disciplines, including mathematics, astronomy, and natural philosophy. Her tutors introduced her to groundbreaking scientific theories and advancements of the time, nurturing her curiosity and fostering a passion for knowledge. This scientific knowledge provided her with a broader understanding of the world and equipped her with the tools to engage in intellectual discourse on a wide range of subjects. Catherine's humanist education also emphasized the development of critical thinking and eloquent expression. She received training in rhetoric and persuasive oratory, enabling her to articulate her ideas effectively and engage in debates with scholars and advisors. This skillset proved invaluable in her later years as she navigated the complexities of governance and diplomacy.

Catherine's outstanding humanist education, coupled with her linguistic aptitude, contributed to her reputation as one of the most educated women of her time. These intellectual pursuits would prove invaluable as she ascended to the throne and assumed the responsibilities of leadership, allowing her to engage in scholarly discussions, diplomatic endeavors, and cultural exchanges with confidence and ease. Overall, Catherine's education exemplified the humanist ideals, preparing her intellectually for her role as a queen regnant. Her commitment to knowledge set her apart, positioning her as a formidable leader who could navigate the difficulty of governance and engage with diverse cultures in a rapidly evolving continent.

## Religion

Catherine II's religious upbringing played a significant role in shaping her beliefs and attitudes throughout her life. From an early age, she was immersed in the teachings and practices of the Calvinist faith, which was prominent during the sixteenth century. Catherine's exposure to Calvinism instilled in her a deep understanding of its principles and doctrines. She was well-versed in the teachings of John Calvin and the tenets of the Reformed tradition. This foundation provided her with a solid framework for interpreting and engaging with matters of faith and governance.

Despite her Calvinist upbringing, however, Catherine displayed a remarkable openness and tolerance towards other religious beliefs. This inclusive mindset was particularly notable in her interactions with Catholics, a religious group that held significant influence and power in the predominantly Catholic Europe of her time. Rather than viewing Catholics as adversaries or potential threats to her reign, Catherine chose to foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding. She recognized the importance of religious harmony and sought to create an environment where individuals of different faiths could coexist peacefully. Catherine's leniency towards outside faiths, including Catholicism, was a departure from the staunch adherence to Calvinism often exhibited by other prominent figures in Navarre. Her approach reflected a progressive mindset that prioritized religious tolerance and sought to bridge the divides between various sects. This moderate stance on religious matters not only set Catherine apart from her contemporaries but also contributed to her popularity among a diverse range of subjects. Her commitment to fostering religious harmony and tolerance earned her respect and admiration from individuals of different faiths, further solidifying her position as a respected and beloved Queen in her realm.

One of the key figures in Catherine II's religious education during her formative years as a young Queen was the influential Calvinist scholar, Gabriel Rousseau. Known for his erudition and deep understanding of Calvinist theology, Rousseau became Catherine's trusted advisor and mentor in matters of faith. Through their regular intellectual discourse and extensive study sessions, Rousseau provided Catherine with a profound understanding of Calvinist principles, guiding her in interpreting scripture and shaping her religious worldview. His extensive knowledge and passionate teaching style captivated the young Queen, and she greatly valued his insights and guidance.

Under Rousseau's tutelage, Catherine delved into the works of prominent Calvinist theologians, exploring the complexities of predestination, divine sovereignty, and the role of faith in salvation. Rousseau's influence on Catherine's religious education was profound, as he not only instilled in her a deep intellectual appreciation for the Calvinist faith but also helped her develop a nuanced and compassionate perspective that embraced tolerance and understanding towards those of differing beliefs. His teachings not only shaped Catherine's personal spiritual journey but also influenced her approach to governance, fostering a climate of religious harmony and intellectual curiosity within her realm.

## Appearance & personality

Catherine II was described by contemporaries as regal with every inch; she had been noted for her heart shaped face, shapely chin, defined eyebrows and rose-budded lips. The shade of her hair and eyes were inherited from her father, both being a deep shade of brown often mistaken for black. Despite being a celebrated beauty in Navarre, Catherine's physique and stature was critiqued to be too small and disproportionate to befit a reigning Queen. In addition to this, her male contemporaries often ridiculed her for her soft features, appearing vulnerable and unarmed as opposed to stately, thereby weakening the image of Navarrese strength.

Catherine was known to be a spirited Queen, however, it did not detract from the image of dignity and divinity often associated with sovereigns which she maintained. Her upbringing stressed the importance of etiquette and connection with those around her, though her faint aloofness was often misread as contempt. Despite this, she expressed great curiosity, intelligence and kindness in scholarly settings, finding ease with meaningful discussions as opposed to the usual small talks at court. Most notable was her ability to carry conversation for hours in the form of friendly debate or the exploration of a subject, though her views were often criticised for being overly progressive and bold for a lady of her age and standing.

## Titles, Styles & Arms

**January 1st, 1638 — present**: *Sa Majesté*, la Reine de Navarre, Duchesse d'Albret, Duchesse de Montblanc, Duchesse de Pénafiel, Princesse-Souveraine de Béarn, Princesse-Souveraine de Soule, Co-Princesse d'Andorre, Princesse de Viana, Comtesse de Limoges, Comtesse de Foix, Comtesse d'Armagnac, Comtesse de Bigorre, Comtesse de Périgord, Comtesse de Rodez, Comtesse de Fézensac, Comtesse de Ribagorza, Comtesse de Gause, Comtesse de L'Isle-Jourdain, Vicomtesse de Limoges, Vicomtesse de Tartas, Vicomtesse de Maremne, Vicomtesse de Dax, Vicomtesse de Brulhois, Vicomtesse de de Villemur, Vicomtesse de Lomagne et d'Auvillars, Vicomtesse de Fézensaguet, Vicomtesse de Creyssel, Baronne de Castelnau, Baronne de Meyrueis, Baronne de Caussade, Dame de Baugé, Dame de Nérac, Dame de Craon, Dame de La Chapelle des Aix-d'Angilon, Dame de Clermont, Dame de Villezon, Dame d'Espineuil, Dame de Montrond, Dame de Bruyères, Dame de Dun-le-Roi, Dame de Saint-Gondom, Dame de Corberin, Dame de Chalucet, Dame de Prahec, Dame de Lussac, Dame de Chisay

* Duchesse de Gandie (disputed)
* Duchesse d'Auvergne (through purchase in 1654)

## Ancestry

Through her father, Antoine II, Catherine descends from the houses of Albret, Foix, Medici and Tudor. Through her paternal great-aunt, Jeanne d'Albret, she shares a second cousin relation to the Bourbons. By her mother, Marguerite Stuart, Catherine descends from the houses of Stuart, Oldenburg, and Lorraine and shares a first cousin relation with Charles I and his subsequent descendants.