Margaret of Provence

Margaret of Provence was born in the spring of 1221 in Forcalquier, the eldest daughter of Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. She had three younger sisters, all of whom became queens: Eleanor of England, Sanchia of Germany, and Beatrice of Sicily. Margaret maintained a close relationship with her sister Eleanor throughout their lives.

In 1234, Margaret married King Louis IX of France at the age of thirteen, becoming queen consort. Her marriage involved tension with her mother-in-law, Blanche of Castile, who retained influence over Louis. Margaret and Louis shared interests such as riding and music, and they had eleven children together.

Margaret of Provence died on 20 December 1295 in Paris at the age of seventy-four and was buried at the Basilica of St-Denis. Her son, Philip III, succeeded her husband as King of France.