Margaret of Provence

Margaret of Provence was born in the spring of 1221 in Forcalquier, the eldest of four daughters of Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. Her sisters also became queens in other European countries. At the age of thirteen, she married King Louis IX of France and was crowned the following day. Her marriage was marked by the strong influence of her mother-in-law, Blanche of Castile, who dismissed Margaret’s entourage post-wedding. Margaret and Louis shared interests in riding, reading, and music, but their marriage faced challenges, particularly from Blanche’s attempts to keep them apart.

Margaret demonstrated leadership during the Seventh Crusade by negotiating for her husband’s ransom and maintaining order in Damietta, where she also gave birth to her son John Tristan. She was involved in international diplomacy and mediations post-crusade. After Louis IX’s death, Margaret returned to Provence and became more politically active, defending her rights and opposing her brother-in-law Charles. Her final years were devoted to pious works, including founding a Franciscan nunnery. She died in Paris in 1295 and was buried in the Basilica of St-Denis.