Eustace, Prince

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Eustace, Prince (c.1127–53). Eustace was the second son of King Stephen, but the death of his elder brother Baudouin c.1135 made him heir apparent. In 1140 he was married to Constance, daughter of Louis VI of France. Stephen was anxious to have Eustace's claim recognized, but though a council at London acknowledged him as heir, the papacy refused approval. After Eustace's death on 10 August 1153, Stephen came to terms with his great rival Matilda, accepting her son Henry as his successor.

J. A. Cannon