The future Louis VIII of France was born on 5 September 1187 as the son of Philip II of France and Isabella of Hainault. Isabella died in 1190 after giving birth to short lived twin boys and Louis inherited the Country of Artois through her. On 23 May 1200 Louis was married to Blanche of Castile, a daughter of King Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England (sister to King Richard I and King…
James was not born to be a King. He was the third, but second surviving son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria, born on 14 October 1633. Though he was styled as Duke of York from birth, he was not formally created so until 1643. His father was executed on 30 January 1649 but…
Most Kings are born into regal families and grow up with the knowledge that someday they will rule over a country. However, when he was born in 1683, the future King George II was nothing more than the heir to the heir to a small German Duchy. Such a far cry from the throne…
