 |
Yolanda AragonNominal "Queen of the Four Kingdoms"
Date of Birth: 11.08.1384
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- The Queen of Four Kingdoms
- Early Life
- Marriage and Power
- Children and Family
- Guardian of the Dauphin
- Legacy
The Queen of Four Kingdoms
Yolande d'Aragon, known as the "Queen of Four Kingdoms" (Aragon, Sicily, Jerusalem, Naples, and possibly Cyprus), was the Duchess of Anjou and the youngest daughter of Juan I the Hunter, King of Aragon, and Yolande de Bar (granddaughter of King John the Good of France). She played a significant role in the enthronement of Charles VII the Victorious and was highly respected by her contemporaries.
Early Life
Yolande was born in Zaragoza in either 1380 or 1384 as the youngest of three children. Her father died when she was 13, and her uncle Martin succeeded to the throne of Aragon. Yolande unsuccessfully contested the throne but retained her title as "Queen" of Aragon. Her son, Louis III, also attempted to claim the throne but failed.
Marriage and Power
On December 2, 1400, Yolande married Louis II, Duke of Anjou. She became Duchess of Anjou and Countess of Provence in France. While her husband fought for the throne of Naples in Italy, Yolande ruled their domains, establishing a reputation as a shrewd and intelligent ruler. Her main residence was in Angers, later moving to Saumur.
Children and Family
Yolande had five or six children with Louis of Anjou:Louis III, titular King of Naples
René the Good, Duke of Anjou and Bar
Marie, Queen of France
Yolande, Countess of Montferrat
Charles, Count of Maine
Political Influence
In 1413, Yolande arranged the marriage of her daughter Marie to Charles, son of Queen Isabella of Bavaria. She later refused Queen Isabella's demands to send Charles to Paris, stating her unwavering loyalty to her son-in-law.
Guardian of the Dauphin
After the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the Duchy of Anjou came under threat, and Yolande and her family relocated to Provence. When the elder dauphins died in 1416 and 1417, her son-in-law Charles became the Dauphin of France. Yolande refused to send him to Paris, fearing the influence of Queen Isabella.
Legacy
Yolande was praised for her intelligence, determination, and political acumen. She was known as "one of the women who made France" and is considered an important figure in the history of the Hundred Years' War.
