Charlotte was born in Brittany, France in 1530, the daughter of Guy XVI de Laval, Count of Laval, head of one of Brittany"s most powerful noble families, and Antoinette d"Aillon. She was a descendant of King Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria through their daughter Jeanne, Duchess of Brittany.
She was the mother of Louise de Coligny, the fourth wife of William the Silent, Prince of Orange. The present British Royal directly descends from her. She had a half-sister, Anne de Laval from her father"s first marriage to Charlotte of Naples.
She had a half-brother Guy XVII de Laval, Count of Laval, from her father"s second marriage to Anne de Montmorency.
Charlotte"s father died on 20 May 1531 when she was about a year old. In addition to his many noble titles, he also held the positions of Lieutenant-General and Governor of Brittany, and Admiral of Brittany.
Her mother died on 19 April 1538, leaving Charlotte an orphan at the age of eight.
