Eleanor, Princess of Asturias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleanor |
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| Princess of Asturias | |
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| Born | 10 September 1423 Burgos |
| Died | 22 August 1425 (aged 1 year 11 months) La Espina |
| Burial | La Espina |
| House | Trastámara |
| Father | John II of Castile |
| Mother | Maria of Aragon |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Eleanor of Castile (in Castilian: Leonor de Castilla) was a Spanish princess who lived a very short life in the 1400s. She was born on September 10, 1423, and passed away on August 22, 1425. For a short time, she was the heir presumptive to the throne of the Crown of Castile. This meant she was next in line to become queen. She also held the special title of Princess of Asturias.
Who Was Princess Eleanor?
Princess Eleanor was born in Burgos, a city in Spain. She was the second child of King John II of Castile and his first wife, Queen Maria of Aragon. Her older sister, Catherine, Princess of Asturias, was also a princess.
Becoming Princess of Asturias
When Eleanor was just one year old, her older sister Catherine sadly passed away. This meant that Eleanor became the next person in line to inherit the throne. She was then given the important title of Princess of Asturias. This title is usually given to the person who is expected to become the next ruler.
Her father, King John II, made sure that everyone knew Eleanor was his official successor. The Cortes of Valladolid, which was like a parliament or a big meeting of important people, officially recognized her as the Princess of Asturias. This happened shortly after her sister's funeral. She received a special ceremony called "homage" in Burgos, where people showed their loyalty to her as the future queen.
Losing Her Title
Princess Eleanor held the title of Princess of Asturias for only about two months. On January 5, 1425, her younger brother was born. This new baby brother was named Henry, and he would later become King Henry IV of Castile. Because boys were usually preferred to inherit the throne, Henry became the new heir.
This meant that Eleanor was no longer the Princess of Asturias. She became an "infanta" again, which is a title for a Spanish princess who is not the direct heir. She was now second in line to the throne, after her new brother. Sadly, Princess Eleanor died later that same year, near a monastery called La Espina. She was buried there, close to the altar.
