Adela of Champagne

Adela of Champagne, also known as Adelaide, Alix, and Adela of Blois, was Queen of France as the third wife of Louis VII and served as regent during her son Philip II’s participation in the Third Crusade. Born as the daughter of Theobald II, Count of Champagne, and Matilda of Carinthia, she married Louis VII and was crowned on the same day. She bore him a son, Philip II, and a daughter, Agnes, who became Byzantine Empress.

Her marriage to Louis VII was also a political alliance, which helped to solidify peace with her father, a rebellious vassal. Adela was politically active and attempted to assume regency when her son ascended the throne at fifteen, but was deemed unnecessary as he was old enough to rule. She later served as regent with the Archbishop of Reims during Philip’s absence on crusade. Adela was involved in the foundation of many abbeys and was buried in Pontigny Abbey upon her death.