Ladislaus III of Hungary

Ladislaus III
Ladislaus depicted in Johannes de Thurocz's chronicle
King of Hungary and Croatia
Reign	1204–1205
Coronation	26 August 1204
Predecessor	Emeric
Successor	Andrew II
Regent	Andrew
Born	c. 1200
Died	7 May 1205 (aged 4–5) Vienna
Burial	Székesfehérvár Basilica
Dynasty	Árpád dynasty
Father	Emeric of Hungary
Mother	Constance of Aragon
Religion	Roman Catholic

Ladislaus III (Hungarian: III. László, Slovak and Croatian: Ladislav III; c. 1200 – 7 May 1205) was King of Hungary and Croatia between 1204 and 1205. He was the only child of King Emeric. Ladislaus was crowned king upon the orders of his ill father, who wanted to secure his infant son's succession. The dying king made his brother, Andrew, regent for the period of Ladislaus's minority. However, Duke Andrew ignored the child's interests. As a result, Ladislaus's mother, Constance of Aragon, fled to Austria, taking Ladislaus with her. Ladislaus died unexpectedly in Vienna.

Ladislaus was the only known child of King Emeric and his wife, Constance of Aragon. The exact date of Ladislaus's birth is unknown, but it is likely that he was born around 1200, according to historians Gyula Kristó and Ferenc Makk. After falling seriously ill, King Emeric ordered Ladislaus's coronation in an attempt to secure a smooth succession for his infant son.John, Archbishop of Kalocsa, crowned Ladislaus on 26 August 1204. Emeric reconciled with his defiant younger brother, Andrew, whom he had imprisoned. He set Andrew free, and made him regent for the duration of Ladislaus's minority.

King Emeric fell ill with a type of incurable illness. Therefore, when he knew his final hour was approaching, he sent with all haste and had his brother released from custody and brought to him. When Andrew appeared before the king, the king made his will in his presence, entrusting to him the guardianship of his son and the administration of the entire kingdom until the ward should reach the age of majority.