Adele of Flanders

Adela of France, also known as Adela the Holy or Adela of Messines, was the second daughter of King Robert II of France and Constance of Arles. She became Duchess of Normandy in 1027 through her marriage to Richard III, Duke of Normandy, and later became Countess of Flanders in 1035 after marrying Baldwin V. Adela was involved in the political and religious affairs of Flanders, co-signing many charters and supporting church reforms.

Adela was educated by monks from the St Peter's convent in Ghent and taught Latin to her children. Her efforts contributed to the founding of several collegiate churches and abbeys, including the Colleges of Aire, Lille, and Harelbeke, as well as the abbeys of Messines and Ename. She was active during the regency of France from 1060 to 1067, alongside her husband, for her nephew King Philip I.

Adela of France died in 1076 and was buried at the Benedictine Convent of Messines. After her death, her son Robert I, Count of Flanders, succeeded in his position.