Henry III of Navarre was born on December 13, 1553, and became King of Navarre in 1572. He was a key figure during the French Wars of Religion, which were conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France. Henry was a member of the Bourbon family and played a significant role in the political landscape of France during the late 16th century. In 1589, Henry III of Navarre ascended to the French throne as Henry IV of France after the assassination of Henry III of France. He was the first monarch of the Bourbon dynasty and is known for his efforts to unify France and promote religious tolerance, notably through the Edict of Nantes in 1598.