The bee was chosen as the family emblem of the House of Bourbon, which was a dynasty of kings that ruled France and other countries in Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is believed that the bee was chosen as the family's emblem by King Henry IV of France in the early 17th century. The bee was chosen as a symbol of industry and hard work, and it was widely used by the House of Bourbon in their coat of arms and other royal insignia.