Catherine de Medici (or Catherine de Médicis in French) was born on 13 April 1519 in Florence. Five centuries later, her name still divides historians and she remains one of the most complex Queen of France. She lived through the Renaissance period and the religious wars that shook France and Europe.

Catherine happens to be the daughter of Lorenzo de Medici, ruler of Florence to whom Niccolo dei Machiavelli had dedicated his book "The Prince". A political treatise written for Princes and Royals.

It is no surprise the de Medici family name is often attached to intrigues and scheming for political power. During my Kings & Queens in the magnificent Marais Walk, you will find out what tragedy Catherine is suspected to have been a part of in France...