5 April 1170 - 15 March 1190
House: Flanders
Titles: Queen consort of the Franks, Countess of Artois
Isabella of Hainault was born on 5 April 1170 in Valenciennes, the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut, and Margaret I, Countess of Flanders. At the age of one, she was betrothed to Henry, the future Count of Champagne, but her father later arranged her marriage to King Philip II of France. Isabella married Philip on 28 April 1180, bringing the county of Artois as her dowry, and was crowned Queen of France on 28 May 1180.
Initially, Isabella struggled to gain Philip's affection due to her young age and inability to provide an heir. In 1184, during a conflict with Flanders, Philip threatened to divorce her, but public support for Isabella helped prevent this. The marriage improved over time, and she gave birth to their son, Louis, on 5 September 1187, strengthening their bond.
Isabella died on 15 March 1190 in Paris due to complications from childbirth and was buried in the cathedral of Notre-Dame. Her son Louis succeeded her as Count of Artois.
Death: Died at age 19 due to childbirth complications; buried in Notre-Dame, Paris.
Reign: 9 years and 321 days
Children: 3, including Louis VIII of France
Marriages: Philip II of France
Parents: Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut, Margaret I, Countess of Flanders