François de Vendôme, duc de Beaufort
A fiery, popular Bourbon prince whose daring escapes and naval exploits made him the 'King of the Markets' during the Fronde.
1616–1669 (age 53)·Duke of Beaufort·Birthday: January 16
Biography
François de Vendôme, Duc de Beaufort, was a swashbuckling anomaly in 17th-century France, a royal duke who became a hero of the Parisian mob. Grandson of King Henry IV, his hot-headedness and opposition to Cardinal Mazarin's rule propelled him to the forefront of the aristocratic rebellion known as the Fronde. His populist touch and dramatic escape from the Vincennes prison earned him the affectionate nickname 'Roi des Halles' (King of the Markets). After the rebellion collapsed, he rehabilitated his standing by turning his combative energies outward, commanding French naval forces in the Mediterranean against the Barbary pirates. He died as he lived, in the thick of action, during a bold but failed assault on the Venetian-held island of Crete.
#1 When François Was Born
The biggest hits of 1616
François's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1616Born
1621Started school
1629Became a teenager
1632Could drive
1634Could vote
1637Turned 21
1646Turned 30
1656Turned 40
1666Turned 50
1669Died at 53
Key Achievements
- Became a principal leader of the aristocratic faction (the 'Fronde of the Princes') against Cardinal Mazarin's government.
- Earned the popular nickname 'Roi des Halles' for his connection to the common people of Paris during the Fronde.
- Escaped from the prison at Vincennes in 1648, a feat that boosted his legendary status.
- Served as Superintendent of the Navy and led successful campaigns against Barbary pirates in the 1660s.
- Was killed commanding the French fleet during the Siege of Candia (modern-day Heraklion) in Crete.
Did You Know?
He was the grandson of King Henry IV of France and his mistress, Gabrielle d'Estrées.
His death at Crete was so sudden that rumors persisted for years that he had been secretly assassinated.
He was a key figure in the 'Day of the Barricades' in Paris in 1648.
The character of the Duc de Beaufort appears in Alexandre Dumas' novel 'Twenty Years After,' the sequel to 'The Three Musketeers.'
“I would rather be the king of the markets than a slave at court.”
