House of Valois - Unexpected Inheritance

Unexpected Inheritance

The Capetian dynasty seemed secure both during and after the reign of Philip IV. Philip had left three surviving sons (Louis, Philip and Charles) and a daughter (Isabella). Each son became king in turn but died young without male heirs, leaving only daughters who could not inherit the throne. When Charles IV died in 1328, the French Succession was thrown wide open.

In 1328 there were 3 reasonable candidates to the throne;

• Philip, Count of Valois, son of Charles of Valois, who was the closest heir in male line and grandson of Philip III. Because his father was the brother of the late Philip IV, he was therefore a nephew of Philip IV and the cousin of Louis X, Philip V and Charles IV. Further, he was the regent chosen by Charles IV before his death.
• Philip, Count of Évreux, another nephew of Philip IV and cousin of three Capetian kings. He strengthened his position by marrying Joan of France, daughter of Louis X.
• Edward III of England, son of Isabella of France, daughter and only surviving child of Philip IV. Edward claimed to be the heir as a male descendant of Philip IV.

In England, Isabella of France heard the news and claimed the throne on behalf of her son. Similar to France, the English law of succession did not allow the succession of females, but allowed the succession through the female line (as was the case with Henry II of England). The French rejected her claims, arguing that since she herself, as a woman, could not succeed, then she could not transmit any such right to her son. Thus, the French chose Philip of Valois, who became Philip VI of France. The throne of Navarre went its separate way, to Joan of France, daughter of Louis X, who became Joan II of Navarre.

Because diplomacy and negotiation had failed, Edward III would have to back his claims with force if he was to claim the throne. For a few years, England and France were in an uneasy peace. Eventually, an escalation of conflict between the two kings led to the confiscation of the duchy of Aquitaine. Instead of paying homage to the French king, as his ancestors had done, Edward claimed that he was the rightful King of France. These events were a key reason for the Hundred Years War between England and France.