Marguerite of France facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marguerite of France
Born	1157
Died	1197

Marguerite of France was a princess who became a queen. She was the daughter of King Louis VII of France and his second wife, Constance of Castile. Marguerite was an important figure in the royal families of both France and England during the 12th century. She was known for her marriage to Henry the Young King, who was the son of King Henry II of England.

Who Was Marguerite of France?

Marguerite of France was born in 1157. Her birth was a significant event for the French royal family. She was part of a powerful family. Her father, King Louis VII, ruled France. Her mother, Constance, was a queen. Marguerite's life was shaped by royal duties and political alliances. These alliances were common for princesses in those times.

Early Life and Royal Family

Marguerite's early life was spent in the French court. She grew up learning about royal customs. As a princess, she was expected to make a good marriage. Such marriages often helped create peace between countries. They also strengthened royal families. Marguerite had several siblings. Her half-sister was Marie of France. Her full sister was Alix of France. Later, her father had another daughter, Alys, and a son, Philip II of France, who became a powerful king.

Marriage to Henry the Young King

Marguerite was married to Henry the Young King. He was the son of King Henry II of England. This marriage was arranged when they were very young. It was a political move to settle land disputes. The marriage aimed to bring peace between France and England. They were married in 1160. Marguerite was only three years old. Henry was five. This was a common practice for royal children. They were crowned together in 1172. This made them both king and queen. However, Henry the Young King never ruled England on his own. He died before his father.

Life as a Young Queen

Marguerite and Henry the Young King had one son. His name was William. Sadly, William was born and died in 1177. This was a difficult time for Marguerite. After her son's death, she continued her life as a royal. She supported her husband in his duties. They traveled between France and England.

Later Life and Death

Henry the Young King died in 1183. This left Marguerite a widow. She was still quite young. After his death, she returned to France. She later married another important noble. This was Béla III of Hungary. He was the King of Hungary. This second marriage was also a political alliance. It showed her continued importance. Marguerite died in 1197. She passed away while on a pilgrimage. She was traveling to the Holy Land. Her life spanned many important events in European history. She was a key figure in royal alliances.

Images for kids

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  Marguerite of France, as depicted in a historical manuscript.