Blanche of Castile

Uncommon card · No. 151607

Blanche of Castile (Spanish: Blanca de Castilla; French: Blanche de Castille; 4 March 1188 – 27 November 1252) was Queen of France by marriage to Louis VIII. Blanche supported Louis' invasion to become King of England in her name, providing reinforcements. After her husband's death, she was appointed as sole regent according to Louis VIII's will. She acted as regent twice during the reign of her son, Louis IX: during his minority from 1226 until 1234, and during his absence from 1248 until 1252. Blanche was the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, King of Castile, and Eleanor of England, and was chosen to marry the heir of Philip Augustus in the Treaty of Le Goulet. She was a great patron of cultural and religious works, played a significant role in governance during the regencies and in Louis IX's personal reign. She dealt with rebellions and raised armies, forcing the English to recognize French sovereignty over Poitou. She served as a diplomat signing the Treaty of Paris with Raymond VII...

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