Born at Chantilly, Oise, Henry was the son of duke Henry I. He was the godson of Henri IV, and was constantly receiving marks of the royal affection. His name and his personality, rendered him at an early age the darling of the court and the people. He was only seventeen when Louis XIII raised him to the office of grand admiral. He succeed to his father's title in 1614. He also was governor of Languedoc. In 1628–1629 Henry took command of a Royal army to fight the forces of duke of Rohan in Languedoc and bested that famous leader of the Huguenots.