The jousting tournament held in Paris to celebrate the royal marriage of Elizabeth de Valois to Philip II of Spain turned tragic when King Henry II of France faced off against Gabriel, comte de Montgomery, a skilled knight. Taking place in front of nobility and a cheering crowd, the bout symbolized the height of chivalric culture in 16th-century France. During the match, a lance wielded by Montgomery shattered, sending splinters into Henry's eye. The injury was severe, and despite efforts to treat him, Henry's health rapidly declined. The spectacle was, at first, a celebration of noble values; however, it became a grim reminder of the inherent dangers associated with such combat sports. Henry II's reign was marked by a struggle to centralize power amidst ongoing conflicts with Habsburg rivals. His interest in fostering alliances through royal marriages was an essential policy for maintaining balance in Europe. The joust aimed to both celebrate this marital alliance and showcase the strength of the French crown. However, the incident quickly overshadowed these intentions with its brutality. The King suffered in agony for several days before succumbing to his injuries. His death profoundly affected the French monarchy and heralded a period of instability. As a result, France entered a tumultuous time as leadership transitioned to his young son, Francis II, thereby shifting power dynamics among European nations.