Female Regents of Medieval France

These women wielded power in a realm that denied them the right to be sovereigns

ADELE OF CHAMPAGNE

Adele, Louis VII’S third wife, was the first woman to officially serve as a regent in France. In 1190, her son Philip II appointed her as regent of his son, the future Louis VIII, while he was away during the Third Crusade. She served as regent alongside her brother, Archbishop William of Rheims, until Philip’s return in 1191.

BLANCHE OF CASTILE

Blanche became regent on behalf of her son, Louis IX, who was still a minor, after her husband, Louis VIII, died in 1226. She was regent for eight years, during which time she overcame aristocratic opposition and consolidated monarchical control over the realm. While he was away on crusade, her son appointed her regent once more between 1248 and 1252.

JOAN OF BURGUNDY

With the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337, Philip IV appointed his wife Joan as regent of France while he was away on military campaigns. She served as regent in 1340, 1345 to 1346, and 1347, proving to be a capable and politically active figure.

ISABEAU OF BAVARIA

Following bouts of mental distress, Charles VI appointed his wife, Isabeau, as guardian of their son and appointed her to the regency council in 1393. As Charles’ mental health declined, Isabeau was named leader of the regency council. However, she also became embroiled in the civil war that resulted from the power vacuum caused by her husband’s illness.

ANNE OF FRANCE

Also known as Anne de Beaujeu, Anne was named as regent of her young brother, Charles VIII, by their dying father Louis XI in 1483. She was the first sister of a king to serve as regent in France and she remained in that role for the next eight years. Known for being wise and shrewd, Anne was one of the most powerful women in Europe during her regency.