Blanche of France, Duchess of Orléans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanche of France |
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| Duchess of Orléans | |
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Tomb of Blanche in Saint-Denis
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| Born | 1 April 1328 |
| Died | 8 February 1393 (aged 64) |
| Burial | Basilica of St Denis |
| Spouse | |
| House | House of Capet |
| Father | King Charles IV of France |
| Mother | Jeanne of Évreux |
Blanche of France was born on April 1, 1328. She was the daughter of King Charles IV of France and his third wife, Joan of Évreux. Blanche was born after her father had already passed away. This means she was a posthumous child.
Blanche was the very last direct member of the House of Capet. This was a very important royal family in France. Her marriage to her cousin, Philip, Duke of Orléans, did not result in any children. When Blanche died in 1393, the main line of the House of Capet ended. However, other branches of the family continued.
The French Throne and Succession
King Charles IV, Blanche's father, died without a son. This was a big problem for the French throne. It meant the direct line of the House of Capet was ending.
A rule had been made years earlier. This rule said that women could not become the ruler of France. It was based on something called the Salic law. Because of this rule, King Charles's one-year-old daughter, Marie, could not become queen.
At the time of the king's death, Queen Jeanne was pregnant. Everyone hoped she would give birth to a son. If she had a son, he would become the new king. So, a temporary ruler was chosen. This ruler was Philip of Valois, who was a close male relative.
After two months, Queen Jeanne gave birth to Blanche. Since Blanche was a girl, she could not become queen. So, Philip of Valois officially became the new king. He was crowned in May. At this time, another rule was confirmed. It stated that not only could a woman not inherit the throne, but the throne could also not be passed down through a woman.
Blanche's Marriage and Later Life
Blanche married her cousin, Philip, Duke of Orléans, on January 8, 1345. Philip was the son of King Philip VI of France.
Blanche and Philip did not have any children together. Philip did have other children, but they were not born within his marriage to Blanche. Philip passed away in 1376. After his death, his lands and titles went back to the royal family.
Blanche lived until 1393. She was buried in the chapel of Notre-Dame. This chapel is located in the famous Basilica of St Denis.
