Eleanor of Navarre facts for kids

Eleanor of Navarre (born February 2, 1426 – died February 12, 1479) was an important princess and queen of Navarre. She was a regent for many years, helping to rule Navarre when her father was away. Later, she briefly became the queen of Navarre in 1479. She was crowned queen on January 28, 1479, in Tudela.

Life of Queen Eleanor

Early Life and Family

Coat of arms of Queen Eleanor

Eleanor was born in Olite, Navarre (which is now part of Spain). She was the youngest of three children born to King John II of Aragon and Queen Blanche I of Navarre. Her older sister was Blanche II of Navarre.

Eleanor was born on February 2, 1426. In 1427, the Cortes (a type of parliament) in Pamplona recognized her as a future heir to the throne. This meant she was in line to become queen after her older brother, Charles of Viana, and her sister, Blanche II. However, after their mother Queen Blanche died, their father took control of Navarre.

Becoming Regent

In 1441, Eleanor married Gaston IV, Count of Foix. A year later, in 1442, she moved with her husband to Bearn.

In 1455, Eleanor's father decided that her brother and sister would no longer be heirs to Navarre. Instead, he named Eleanor as the new heir. He also made her the regent and general governor of Navarre. This meant she would rule Navarre in his place. She then moved to Sangüesa to take on her new duties.

Eleanor continued to serve as regent even after her brother died in 1461. In 1462, she signed an agreement called the Treaty of Olite. In this treaty, she agreed that her father was the true ruler of Navarre. She also accepted the responsibility of keeping her sister Blanche imprisoned.

In 1464, Blanche died while in Eleanor's care. According to the treaty, Eleanor was still recognized by her father as the heir to Navarre and its governor. However, in 1468, her father removed her from her role as governor. But in 1471, he again recognized her as the governor of Navarre until his death.

Her Short Reign

When her father died in 1479, Eleanor officially became the monarch of Navarre. She took her oath as queen. Sadly, she died just two weeks later in Tudela, Navarre, at the age of 53.

Family and Children

Eleanor married Gaston IV, Count of Foix, in 1441. They had many children together. Some of their notable children include:

• Gaston, Prince of Viana (1445–1470): He married Magdalena of France. Their children, Francis and Catherine, later became rulers of Navarre after Eleanor's death.
• Pierre de Foix, le jeune (1449–1490): He became a cardinal and a bishop.
• John of Foix, Viscount of Narbonne (1450–1500): His daughter, Germaine of Foix, later became the second wife of Ferdinand II of Aragon.
• Margaret of Foix (1458–1487): She married Francis II, the Duke of Brittany. Their daughter, Anne of Brittany, became queen of France.
• Catherine of Foix (1460–1494): Her daughter, Anne of Foix-Candale, married Vladislaus II of Hungary.
• Jacques de Foix, Count of Montfort (1463–1508): He was the Count of Cortes.

See also

In Spanish: Leonor I de Navarra para niños