Clementia of Hungary facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clementia of Hungary
Queen consort of France and Navarre
Tenure	19 August 1315 – 5 June 1316
Coronation	24 August 1315
Born	1293
Died	13 October 1328 (aged 34–35)
Spouse	Louis X of France
Issue	John I of France
House	Capetian House of Anjou
Father	Charles Martel of Anjou
Mother	Clemence of Austria
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Clementia of Hungary (French: Clémence; 1293–13 October 1328) was a Queen of France and Navarre. She became queen by marrying King Louis X, who was her second husband.

Life of Queen Clementia

Clementia was born in 1293. Her father was Charles Martel of Anjou, who was the official King of Hungary, even though he didn't actually rule there. Her mother was Clemence of Austria. Sadly, both of Clementia's parents died when she was very young. Her grandmother, Mary of Hungary, raised her. Clementia grew up in Naples, but because her family claimed the throne of Hungary, she was known as a Hungarian princess.

Becoming Queen of France

When Philip IV of France passed away, his oldest son, Louis I of Navarre, became the new King of France. Louis's first wife, Margaret, had been held away from the court since 1314. Even though she was kept separate, she technically became queen when Louis became king.

In 1315, Queen Margaret died. This meant King Louis was free to marry again. He chose Clementia, and they got married on August 19, 1315. Just a few days later, on August 24, she was crowned queen in Reims.

A Short Reign

King Louis X died in June 1316, less than a year after their wedding. Clementia was pregnant at the time. Louis's brother, Philip, became the temporary ruler, called a regent. He didn't let Clementia's stepdaughter, Joan, become queen because she was too young. He also didn't think Clementia was suitable to be regent herself.

In November 1316, Clementia gave birth to a son named John. He was considered king from the moment he was born, but he only lived for five days. After John's death, his uncle Philip took the throne and became King Philip V. Clementia and Philip had disagreements, especially because he refused to give her the money Louis had promised. She often wrote to Pope John XXII and her family asking for help.

Later Years

After King Louis's death, Clementia left the French court. She lived in Aix-en-Provence until 1321, when she returned to Paris. She took an active part in royal life there. She owned many properties around Paris and in Normandy.

Clementia was interested in art and history. In 1326, she ordered a special statue for the tomb of her great-grandfather, Charles I. She also owned many valuable books and art pieces. She used her wealth to support artists and give gifts, which helped improve the reputation of her family and her late husband in Paris. She died on October 13, 1328, when she was 35 years old. After her death, her belongings were sold. She was buried in a church in Paris, and her statue is now in the Basilica of St Denis.

Queen Clementia's Belongings

Queen Clementia is well-known because a detailed list was made of all her possessions after she died. This document was 99 pages long and described her art and other items in great detail. It listed her many crown jewels, special religious containers called reliquaries, and the beautiful fabrics that decorated her home and chapel. It also described her silver sculptures, her clothes, and more than 40 handwritten books. This list is very helpful because it also tells us where she got many of her items and who received them after she passed away.

In Fiction

Clementia is a character in Les Rois maudits (meaning The Accursed Kings). This is a series of French historical novels written by Maurice Druon. She has been played by different actresses in TV shows based on the books.

Images for kids

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  A bust of Clementia of Hungary.

See also

In Spanish: Clemencia de Hungría para niños