François de Guise

François de Lorraine, Grand Prieur de France de l'Ordre de Malte was a French noble and soldier, who fought during the latter Italian Wars. Second youngest of the sons of Claude, Duke of Guise and Antoinette de Bourbon, the Grand Prior was selected for a life with the Order of Malta. In 1549 King Henri II appointed him Grand Prior of the Order in France, giving him access to the revenues of 'commanderies.' He fought with the king in the final years of the Italian Wars, serving in Italy in 1551 and Alsace the following year at the famous defence of Metz. He and his brother Elbeuf played a key role in the capture of Corse in 1553, defending the island against attempted counter attacks by the Genoese.