Early life Michelle was born on 11 January 1395 as the seventh child and fifth daughter of
Charles VI, King of France and
Isabeau/Isabelle of Bavaria. She was named for
Saint Michael the Archangel after her father noted an improvement in his health after a pilgrimage to
Mont Saint-Michel in 1393. The children of the royal family were raised with great care. Their mother purchased luxurious toys, clothes and gifts for them, and regularly corresponded with them when they were apart. During pandemics, she ensured they were sent to safety in the countryside.
Marriage In June 1409, at the age of 14, Michelle married 13-year-old
Philip,
Count of Charolais, son and heir of
John the Fearless,
Duke of Burgundy. They had probably been engaged on 28 January 1405, at the age of 10 and 8, respectively. Michelle and Philip were
second cousins, both descending from
John II, King of France ("John the Good"). Michelle and Philip had a daughter, Agnes, who
died in infancy.
Death In 1422, while her husband was away preparing for the battle of Cone, Michelle fell ill and died on 8 July in
Ghent. All of the inhabitants grieved, as she had been much loved by the people. She was
buried in
Saint Bavo's Abbey near the city. In 1540, the abbey was destroyed on the orders of
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, causing only a fragment of her tomb to remain to this day. After her death, rumors circulated that she had been poisoned by a former attendant, known as
Dame de Viesville, a close
confidante dismissed shortly before Michelle's death. However, no charges were ever brought up against her. == References ==