Isabelle of Hainaut

Isabelle of Hainaut was born in Valenciennes, the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut, and Margaret I, Countess of Flanders. Initially betrothed to Henry, the future Count of Champagne, she was later married to King Philip II of France, becoming Queen consort of France and Countess of Artois. Her marriage to Philip II brought the county of Artois as her dowry.

Isabelle was crowned Queen of France at Saint Denis and was recognized as a descendant of Charlemagne, representing the union of the Carolingian and Capetian dynasties. Despite early difficulties in her marriage, including threats of divorce from Philip II, she eventually gave birth to a son, Louis. Her death followed complications from childbirth, and she was buried in the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.