Louis XIII

Louis XIII (Bourbon) son of Henry IV, father of Louis XIV. Born September 27, 1601, died May 14, 1643. He was called the Just and was crowned in 1610 at age 8. His mother Marie de' Medici acted as regent until Louis came of age at 13, but clung to power for another two years. At 14 he was married to Anne of Austria (a Hapsburg). In 1624 Cardinal Richelieu was appointed chief Minister, by his work, Louis XIII became one of the first absolute monarchs. Under Louis XIII the Habsburgs were humiliated, the French nobility was firmly kept in line behind their King, and the privileges granted to the Huguenots by Henry IV were rescinded.