English claims to the French throne facts for kids

English stained glass window from c. 1350–77, showing the coat of arms of Edward III, which featured the three lions of England quartered with the fleurs-de-lys of France.

Edward III, the first English king to claim the throne of France.

For a long time, from 1340 to 1800, many English and later British kings and queens said they were also the rightful rulers of France. This idea started with King Edward III of England. He believed he had a right to the French throne because of his family connections. His claim led to a very long conflict known as the Hundred Years' War.

Why English Kings Claimed France

Edward III's Bold Move (1340-1420)

The claim to the French throne began in 1340 with King Edward III. He believed he should be the King of France. This was because his mother, Isabella, was the daughter of the previous French king, Philip IV. When Philip IV's sons died without heirs, Edward III felt he was the closest male relative through his mother. However, French law did not allow claims through the female line. This disagreement sparked the Hundred Years' War, a series of battles between England and France.

Many English kings after Edward III continued to claim the French throne. They even put the French royal symbol, the fleurs-de-lys (a lily flower), on their coat of arms. This showed everyone they still believed they were the true kings of France.

Henry V: Heir to France (1420-1422)

King Henry V of England made a very strong claim to the French throne. After his victory at the Battle of Agincourt, he signed a treaty in 1420. This treaty said that Henry V would marry the French king's daughter. It also named him as the heir to the French throne. This meant that when the French king, Charles VI, died, Henry V or his son would become the King of France.

Henry VI: King of France (1422-1471)

Henry VI, who was crowned King of France.

Henry VI was the only English monarch who was actually crowned King of France. He was crowned in Paris in 1431. This happened because his father, Henry V, had been named heir to the French throne. When both Henry V and the French King Charles VI died in 1422, Henry VI became king of both England and France.

However, Henry VI never truly ruled all of France. He only controlled parts of the northern areas. Another French prince, Charles VII, was also crowned King of France. This led to more fighting. The English kings continued to claim the French throne for another 350 years.

English Kings and Calais (1461-1558)

During this period, English monarchs still claimed the entire French throne. But in reality, they mostly only controlled the French port city of Calais. This was the last piece of French land held by England.

Even though they only held Calais, the English kings continued to use the title "King of France." This showed their historical claim.

Coat of arms of Henry VI, showing the fleur-de-lys symbol for France.

Queen Mary I lost Calais to the French in 1558. This was a big blow to England's claims in France. Even so, the claim to the French throne continued.

Later English Claims (1558-1707)

After the loss of Calais, English monarchs still kept the title "King/Queen of France." This was more about tradition and historical pride than actual control.

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England. This united the two kingdoms under one ruler. However, England and Scotland remained separate countries for a while. The monarchs of this new "joint" kingdom still claimed the French throne.

British Claims (1707-1800)

In 1707, the Acts of Union officially joined England and Scotland. They became one country called Great Britain. The British monarchs continued to claim the French throne. This claim lasted until 1800.

King George III finally dropped the claim to the French throne in 1800. By this time, the claim was very old and had no real power. It was a symbolic link to a long-past era.