Anne of Austria

Anne of Austria (1601-1666) was the queen of France. She was born in Valladolid, Spain as the daughter of Hasburg parents and was the wife of Louis XIII of France. The couple did not share a happy marriage and much of it was spent in virtual seperation. After being childless for twenty-two years their first son, Louis XIV, was born. Louis succeeded his father in 1643 after the kings death. Anne became a regent for the young king from 1643 to 1651, ruling France in his place with the help of Cardinal Mazarin as prime minister. Anne retired in 1661 after Mazarin's death and Louis' ascension to the throne.