Henry of Valois
Persons, originating from Poland

Henry of Valois

Henry of Valois, in France known as Henri III, in Poland Henryk Walezy, in Lithuania: Henrikas Valua.
Born September 19, 1551
Died August 2, 1589
As the fourth son of King Henry II of France, he was not expected to inherit the French throne and thus was a good candidate for the vacant throne of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, where he was elected monarch on May 11,1573. During his brief rule, he signed the Henrician Articles into law, recognizing the Polish nobilitys right to freely elect their monarch. On June 18, 1574, aged 22, Henry abandoned Poland upon inheriting the French throne as Henri III when his brother, Charles IX, died without issue.


Escape of Henry of Valois from Poland, by Artur Grottger, 1860
More information

Polonica stamps:

United Arab Emirates 1972,