Henry II of France was born on March 31, 1519, and became king in 1547. He was the son of Francis I and Claude of France. His reign lasted until his death in 1559 and was marked by conflicts with Spain and England, as well as internal strife due to the French Wars of Religion. Henry II was known for his efforts to strengthen the monarchy and centralize power. He married Catherine de' Medici, and they had ten children, including Francis II and Charles IX. His reign saw the rise of the House of Valois and significant cultural developments in France.