3 December 1368 – 21 October 1422
House: Valois
Titles: King of France
Charles VI, born on 3 December 1368 and died on 21 October 1422, was King of France from 1380 until his death. His reign was marred by mental illness and psychotic episodes, which began to manifest prominently from 1392. Ascending to the throne at eleven, he was initially under the regency of his uncles, but took control of the government at the age of 20.
His periods of mental instability led to the regency being reclaimed by his uncles and later, his wife Queen Isabeau of Bavaria. The power struggles and civil war during his reign weakened France, leading to significant defeats such as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. The Treaty of Troyes, signed under his reign, dispossessed his son of the throne in favor of Henry V of England. Charles VI’s death preceded Henry V’s by a few weeks, allowing the Valois line to continue through his son, Charles VII.
Death: Died at the age of 53, buried at Saint Denis Basilica
Reign: 42 years and 5 days
Children: Isabella, Joan, Marie, Michelle, Louis, John, Catherine, Charles VII, Marguerite (ill.)
Marriages: Isabeau of Bavaria
Parents: Charles V of France and Joanna of Bourbon