Henriette de La Marck (31 October 1542 – 24 June 1601), also known as Henriette of Cleves, was a member of the French high noblility, being a Duchess in her own right and courtier. She was the 4th Duchess of Nevers, suo jure Countess of Rethel, and Princess of Mantua by her marriage with Louis I of Gonzaga-Nevers. Through her marriage to Louis, she is the ancestor of many European Royals. A very talented landowner, she was one of France's chief creditors until her death, which allowed her to enlarge her personal fortune, and make her one of the richest members of the French nobility of her age.
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Early life
Henriette was born in La Chapelle-d'Angillon, in the department of Cher, France, on 31 October 1542. She was the eldest daughter and second child of Francis I of Cleves, 1st Duke of Nevers, Count of Rethel, and Marguerite of Bourbon-La Marche. Her mother was the daughter of Charles, Duke of Vendôme (1489-1537) and Frances of Alençon. Dauphin Henry (future King Henry II of France) acted as her godfather at her baptism. She had many siblings, including her brothers Francis and James, her father's heirs as rulers of Nevers and Rethel, Henri (who died young), Catherine, and Marie.