Adela of Champagne

Adela of Champagne, born around 1140, was the third child and first daughter of Theobald II, Count of Champagne, and Matilda of Carinthia. She became Queen of France as the third wife of Louis VII, marrying him on 13 November 1160, shortly after the death of his second wife. Her marriage to Louis VII was also a political alliance, serving as a peace treaty between the king and her father, a powerful feudal lord.

Adela gave birth to Louis VII's only son, Philip II, and a daughter, Agnes, who became a Byzantine empress. She was active in the political life of the kingdom and maintained her influence after her son's succession to the throne in 1180. Although she initially attempted to assume regency due to her son's young age, Philip II was deemed old enough to rule on his own.

Adela died on 4 June 1206 in Paris and was buried in the church of Pontigny Abbey near Auxerre. Her son Philip II continued his reign as the monarch of France.