Charles II of England
Charles II of England was born on May 29, 1630, in St. James's Palace, London, England. He was the eldest son of King Charles I of England and his wife Henrietta Maria of France. His father was executed in 1649, and Charles went into exile in France. He returned to England in 1660 when he was crowned King Charles II of England, Scotland, and Ireland. During his reign, he faced numerous challenges, including the Great Plague, the Great Fire of London, and religious differences. He had several mistresses and illegitimate children, and his marriage to Catherine of Braganza was childless. In 1679, the Popish Plot stirred up anti-Catholic sentiment, and in 1685, the Monmouth Rebellion challenged his authority. Charles died on February 6, 1685, and was succeeded by his brother James II.
