Fall 1600-1604

Life in the Royal Court was a very pleasant one, even for the servants.

Blanche, the Queen's midwife and her husband, Johan the groomer, enjoying a quiet dinner, in the early reign of King Philip de Croy.

Until the royal family's first born arrived, Blanche, the midwife was in charge of the house.She had to supervise the other servants and make sure everything is perfect for the King and his wife.

In this time, King Philip and his wife, Queen Isabella seemed more in love than ever.Even if at the beginning it was just an arranged marriage, a contract between France and Spain, the two monarchs fell in love at the first sign.

Isabella's gentle nature and suave smile charmed the young King, who never believed that he'll met a girl like her.Of course, for the young heiress of Spain it was the same.She fell in love with her fiancé's candor.

Even if both of them were young and life as the rules of a big country was a difficult one, they managed to deal with everything.With the help of council, of course.

Queen Isabella, expecting her first child.

Queen Isabella's first pregnancy was a smooth one and even if the young future mother was a little worried, Babette, the trusty midwife calmed and helped her with everything.And so their first child, a beautiful baby daughter was born.She was named Blanche, Duchess of Savoy and everyone was delighted with how spirited the baby was.

The Queen, giving birth to her first daughter, carefully supervised by Babette, the midwife.

Resting, after the exhausting birth, while the midwife checks on the newborn.

Despite everyone's oppositions and protests, the Queen insisted to breastfeed her baby and in the end everyone had to accept her stubbornness and admit that she was a wonderful mother.

The King was pleased with the beautiful daughter that his wife gave him and often liked to watch Isabella spending time with the baby, singing lullabies or telling tales.Even so, most of the time he was busy with his attributions as the King.

King Philip, enjoying the luxury of a relaxing bath.

One and a half year later, their first son was born at the midnight.His birth surprised everyone, because he wasn't expected until two months later.Even so, he was a strong baby, full of life.He was named Charles, Prince of France and of Navarre.

Queen Isabella, pregnant with her second child.