Charles of Valois (1270-1325) - Find a Grave Memorial

French Royalty. Born at Fontainbleau, Ile-de-France, the youngest child of Philippe III, King of France and his second wife Isabel de Aragon. An ambitious man, he gained the title of Comte de Valois about 1285 acquiring also the counties of Alencon and Perche. He became Count of Anjou and Maine though his marriage to Marguuerite d'Anjou in 1290 and with whom he had four children. His second wife, Katerina de Courtenay, was the daughter of the last Emperor of Constantinople, and with whom he had one daughter. His third was Matilda de Chatillon with whom he had two daughters. All reportedly in pursuit of a crown of his own, he unsuccessfully sought the thrones of Aragon, Sicily, Constantinople, and the Holy Roman Empire for himself. He was, however, an effective soldier and led troops in Italy, Sicily, and Flanders but damaged his reputation with excess and returned to France without gain. He hoped to be appointed regent after the death of Louis X but was bypassed by his nephew who would take the throne upon the death of Louis' infant son. The Count died at 55, leaving a son who would take the throne as Philippe VI, establishing a cadet branch of the royal family.

Bio by: Iola