Charles IV of France

Charles IV the Fair (French: Charles IV le Bel) (1294 – February 1, 1328), a member of the Capetian Dynasty, reigned as King of France from 1322 to 1328.

Related Topics:
French - 1294 - February 1 - 1328 - Capetian Dynasty - France - 1322

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He was the third son of Philip IV. By virtue of his mother, Jeanne I of Navarre's, birthright, Charles claimed the title Charles I, King of Navarre.

Related Topics:
Philip IV - Jeanne I of Navarre - Navarre

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He was crowned King of France in 1322 at the cathedral in Reims. In 1327 Charles helped his sister Isabella against her husband, King Edward II of England, having him imprisoned and ultimately executed. During his six-year reign Charles IV increased taxes, imposed onerous duties, and arbitrarily confiscated estates from enemies or those he disliked.

Related Topics:
Reims - 1327 - Isabella - Edward II of England

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As with his brother before him, Charles died without a male heir, thus ending the direct line of the Capetian dynasty. Twelve years earlier, the Salic Law had been recognized as controlling succession to the French throne, thus barring Charles' 1-year-old daughter Mary from succeeding as the monarch. His wife was also pregnant at the time of his death. Since it could have been possible that she would give birth to a son, a regency was set up with the heir presumptive Philip of Valois, a member of the Valois branch of Capetians, being the regent. After two months, his widow gave birth to yet another daughter. The regent thus became the King and in May was consecrated and crowned Philip VI. At this time, the Salic Law was further re-interpreted to forbid not only inheritance by a woman, but also inheritance through a female line, thus barring Edward III of England from the French throne).

Related Topics:
Salic Law - Valois branch of Capetians - Philip VI - Edward III of England

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Charles IV died at Vincennes, Val-de-Marne, and is interred with his third wife, Jeanne d'Evreux in Saint Denis Basilica.

Related Topics:
Vincennes - Val-de-Marne - Saint Denis Basilica

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Marriages

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• 1308 — Blanche de Bourgogne. The marriage was dissolved in 1322.
• 1322 — Marie de Luxembourg (2)
• July 5, 1325 — Jeanne d'Evreux (1310 – 1371) (3)

Issue

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• (1) Jeanne (1315 – 1321)
• (3) Blanche (April 1, 1328 – February 8, 1345)
• (3) Jeanne (1326 – 1327)
• (3) Marie (1327 – 1341)