Castelnau, Michel de [key], c.1520–1592, French diplomat and soldier. He early attracted the favorable notice of the cardinal of Lorraine (Charles de Guise) and performed important services for Anne, duc de Montmorency, and King Henry II. In the religious wars he went on missions to England, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Savoy and fought in the royal army; from 1575 to 1585 he served as ambassador to England. Upon his return he fell out with the Guises and rendered valuable services against the Catholic League to kings Henry III and Henry IV. Although a Catholic, he favored a policy of moderation toward the Huguenots. He left valuable memoirs.
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