René de Villequier.

About René de Villequier

René de Villequier, baron de Clervaux, d'Aubigny et d'Ivry-le-Château was a French governor and favourite of king Henri III during the French Wars of Religion. Rising to prominence early in the reign of Charles IX, he gravitated towards the king's brother Anjou, the future Henri III, serving with him on his council after the duke's appointment as lieutenant-general of the kingdom in 1567. He and his wife Françoise de la Marck acted as power brokers in the replacement of the bishop of Paris the following year. In 1572 he was elevated to the position of gentleman of the king's chamber and then to Chamberlain of the duke's wardrobe. From this position he received information of the duke's election as king of the Commonwealth, and worked to persuade Anjou to seize the role.