Catherine Burgundy Daughter of the Duke of Burgundy Philip II the Bold and Countess of Flanders Margaret of Mal Country: France

1. Catherine of Burgundy: A Life of Nobility and Intrigue
2. Marriage and Influence
3. Second Marriage
4. Legacy and Burial

Catherine of Burgundy: A Life of Nobility and Intrigue

Catherine of Burgundy, born in April 1378, was the daughter of Duke Philip II the Bold of Burgundy and Margaret of Flanders. As a member of the House of Valois, she was the granddaughter of King John II the Good of France.

Marriage and Influence

On August 15, 1393, at the age of fifteen, Catherine married Leopold IV, Duke of Austria. Leopold and his brother, William, ruled jointly over the duchies of Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, and Tyrol. In 1396, the brothers divided their lands, with Leopold becoming the sole ruler of Austria and Tyrol.

Despite her youth, Catherine negotiated considerable independence from her husband in managing her dowry. The couple resided in the Austrian territory of Alsace. Their marriage lasted 18 years until Leopold's death in 1411, remaining childless.

Second Marriage

Three years after Leopold's passing, Catherine remarried. Her second husband was Maximilian von Rappoltstein, who was 12 years her junior. This marriage also remained childless and ended with Catherine's death on January 25, 1425, at the age of 46.

Legacy and Burial

Catherine of Burgundy was initially buried at the Champmol Monastery in Dijon. Later, her remains were moved to the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Her life, filled with marital alliances and political intrigue, holds a significant place in the history of medieval Europe.