Beatrice of Falkenburg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beatrice of Falkenburg
The stained-glass window depicting Beatrice as benefactress to the Franciscans is the only surviving portrait of her. It is now part of the Burrell Collection.
Queen of the Romans
Tenure	16 June 1269 – 2 April 1272
Born	c. 1254
Died	17 October 1277 (aged 23) Oxford
Burial	Greyfriars, Oxford
Spouse	Richard of Cornwall
House	Cleves
Father	Theodoric II, Lord of Valkenburg
Mother	Bertha of Limburg

Beatrice of Falkenburg (around 1254 – 17 October 1277) was a queen from the Middle Ages. She was also known as Beatrix of Valkenburg. Beatrice became the third wife of Richard of Cornwall. This made her the queen of Germany, though it was more of a title than a ruling position.

Beatrice was only 15 years old when she married Richard. He was 60 years old at the time. Richard was a very loving husband to her. Even with their age difference, Beatrice died only five years after him. She passed away in England when she was 23.

Who Was Beatrice of Falkenburg?

Beatrice was born into a noble family. Her parents were Count Theodoric II of Valkenburg and Berta of Limburg. Her family lived in the Meuse and Rhineland areas. These regions are now part of modern-day Germany and the Netherlands.

Her father supported Richard of Cornwall. Richard wanted to become the Holy Roman Emperor. This was a very powerful title in Europe. Beatrice's uncle, Engelbert II, was the Archbishop of Cologne. He was also an important church leader.

How Did Beatrice Become Queen?

During a conflict, Richard met Beatrice. She was 15 and known for her beauty. Richard was very worried about her safety. He sent her to live with her half-uncle, Philip. Soon after, Richard began to arrange their marriage.

Beatrice became Richard's third wife. They married in Kaiserslautern on 16 June 1269. This made her the queen of Germany. She was formally called "queen of the Romans."

Beatrice's father had died, and her uncle was in prison. So, she did not bring political power to the marriage. Richard married her simply because he was very attracted to her. He did not want to be apart from her. A writer named Thomas Wykes noted the marriage was important. He said Beatrice was German. This helped connect the English king of Germany to his people.

Richard and Beatrice hoped to be crowned Emperor and Empress in Rome. But the invitation never came. So, Richard decided to show Beatrice his lands in England. They left Germany and arrived in Dover on 3 August 1269. They never returned to Germany.

What Happened After Richard Died?

Queen Beatrice became a widow in 1272. She and Richard did not have any children. Richard was buried next to his second wife. Beatrice might have arranged for his heart to be buried at a church in Greyfriars, Oxford.

Beatrice lived a very quiet life after Richard's death. She is rarely mentioned in historical records. Her husband's brother, King Henry III of England, sent her gifts in 1272. Her nephew, King Edward I, also sent her gifts in 1276.

She had a disagreement with her stepson, Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall. This was about some land that belonged to Edmund's mother. The issue was settled in February 1276.

A special portrait of Beatrice exists in stained glass. It is the oldest undamaged "donor portrait" still around. A donor portrait shows someone who gave money to a church. This portrait was made by Norwich Greyfriars. It is now part of the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. It was thought to be from the Franciscan church in Oxford. This would mean Beatrice gave a lot of money to that church. This portrait is the only sign that Beatrice donated to the Church.

Beatrice died on 17 October 1277, when she was 23 years old. She was buried at Greyfriars, Oxford, as the queen of Germany.