Isabelle, Duchess of Lorraine
| Isabella | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Duchess of Lorraine | |
| Reign | 1431–1453 |
| Predecessor | Charles II |
| Successor | John II |
| Born | 1400 |
| Died | 28 February 1453 (aged 53) |
| Spouse | Rene of Anjou |
| Issue |
John II, Duke of Lorraine René Louis of Anjou Nicholas Yolande de Bar Margaret, Queen of England Charles, Count of Guise |
| House | House of Châtenois |
| Father | Charles II, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Margaret of the Palatinate |
Isabella (1400 – 28 February 1453) was suo jure Duchess of Lorraine, from 25 January 1431 to her death in 1453. She was queen consort of Naples by marriage to Duke René of Anjou, King of Naples, and the mother of Margaret of Anjou, Queen consort of England. Isabella served as general governor of her spouse's domains in France during his imprisonment in Burgundy, as well as regent in the Kingdom of Naples, in 1435-1438.
Isabella was the eldest daughter of Charles II, Duke of Lorraine and Margaret of the Palatinate. By the death of her brothers, it was made apparent in 1410 that she would be the successor of her father in Lorraine. She was given a careful education, and described as beautiful, witty, brave and with the ability to be careful and make hard decisions in difficult circumstances.
On 24 October 1420, she married René of Anjou. In the marriage contract, it was specified that she would inherit Lorraine, as he would inherit Bar and Pont-à-Mousson, and that their child and heir would inherit all their domains, thereby uniting them.
On 25 January 1431, Isabella inherited the duchy from her father upon his death, and ruled jointly with her husband as her co-ruler, as was customary for a female monarch at that time. Her right to rule was questioned by her cousin, count Antoine de Vaudémont, who captured Rene in the Battle of Bulgnéville and had him imprisoned with his ally, the Duke of Burgundy. She led an army to rescue her husband from Philip III, Duke of Burgundy. She managed to secure a ceasefire, and the Emperor recognized her right to rule 24 April 1434.
On November 1434, her imprisoned spouse inherited the domains of Anjou, Provence and Maine from his brother as well as the position of heir to the throne of Naples, and on 2 February 1435, her inherited the throne of Naples. Rene appointed her to act as his general governor until his release, and a Napolese embassy asked her to come to Naples to assume the post of regent until her spouse could do so in person. She left with her son Louis and a fleet. The mid-16th century Chronicle of Gaspare Fuscolillo records that Isabella arrived in Naples on 15 October 1435. As regent of Naples, was to face the struggle with the other competitor to the throne of Naples, Alfonso of Aragon. She was given military support from the pope, but could not cooperate well with its commander, Jacopo Caldora.
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