Queen Joan of Sicily

Joan of England was born in October 1165 at Château d'Angers in Anjou, the seventh child of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her early years were spent at her mother's courts in Winchester and Poitiers, where she was educated in preparation for a dynastic marriage. In 1176, she was betrothed to William II of Sicily, and the marriage took place on 13 February 1177, making her Queen of Sicily. William II did not annul the marriage despite the lack of a surviving heir, and Joan remained queen until his death in 1189.

Following William's death, Joan was placed under house arrest by Tancred, who seized the Sicilian throne. Her brother, King Richard I of England, demanded her release and dowry, leading to a confrontation with Tancred. Richard eventually secured her release, and Joan accompanied him on the Third Crusade. During this time, she was involved in a failed political marriage proposal to Saladin's brother, Al-Adil, which was opposed by high-ranking priests.

In October 1196, Joan married Raymond VI, Count of Toulouse, and became Countess of Toulouse. She bore him two children, Raymond VII and Joan. Her marriage to Raymond was troubled, and she took military action against local lords in defense of her husband's interests. In 1199, she attempted to seek her brother Richard's support but learned of his death during her journey.

Joan of England died on 4 September 1199 at the age of 33 in Rouen, while pregnant, overcome by grief. She was buried at Fontevrault Abbey. Her son, Raymond VII, succeeded as Count of Toulouse.