King Louis XII - At 52, He Married An 18-Year-Old

I am Louis XII, King of France. I was born in 1462 as the eldest son of the Duke of Orléans. My life has been one of political intrigue and personal tragedy, but I have always strived to be a good king to my people. When I was a child, my father was assassinated by the French king, Louis XI. As a result, I was raised in the court of my cousin, Charles VIII. Charles VIII was a weak and indecisive ruler, and I quickly became one of the most powerful men in France. In 1498, Charles VIII died without an heir. I then became King of France. I was a popular king, and I was known for my kindness and generosity. I also instituted a number of reforms, including reducing taxes and improving the judicial system. In 1499, I married Anne of Brittany, Duchess of Brittany. Anne was a strong and independent woman, and she played an important role in my reign. She also helped me to unite Brittany with France. I was a successful military commander, and I led France to victory in several wars. However, I was also known for my diplomacy and my commitment to peace. I sought to build alliances with other European powers, and I was successful in preventing a major war on the continent. I died in 1515, after a short illness. I was buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, alongside my wife, Anne of Brittany.