How did Francis II of France die?

Francis II of France died at the tender age of 16 due to an abscess in his brain. This was caused by an ear infection that spread rapidly and resulted in immense swelling.

Francis II of France suffered from illnesses throughout his short life. As a child, he fell sick often and was very weak. In 1558, Francis II married Mary Queen of Scots, a childhood friend, in an arranged marriage. The following year, Francis II ascended to the throne, but his reign only lasted for a little more than a year before he succumbed to an acute ear infection. The official cause of death was a brain abscess caused by the swelling from the ear infection.