Constance of Arles (c. 980–1032)
Constance of Arles (c. 980–1032)
Capetian queen of France. Name variations: Constance of Provence. Born around 980 (some sources cite 973); died on July 25, 1032, in Melun; daughter of William, count of Toulouse (William I of Provence); became third wife of Robert II the Pious (972–1031), king of France (r. 996–1031), in 1005; children: Hugh (1007–1025); Adela Capet (c. 1010–1079), countess of Flanders (mother of Matilda of Flanders ); Henry I (1008–1060), king of France (r. 1031–1060); Robert I (1011–1076), duke of Burgundy (r. 1031–1076).
In 998, Pope Gregory V excommunicated Robert II the Pious, king of France, and voided his second marriage to his cousin Bertha of Burgundy (964–1024) because they were too closely related. Robert then married Constance of Arles, daughter of the count of Toulouse, and she gave birth to four children. On her husband's death, Constance was determined to put her youngest son Robert I, duke of Burgundy, on the throne of France, rather than the appointed successor, her eldest living son Henry. With the support of the duke of Normandy, the count of Anjou, and the count of Flanders, Henry overthrew his brother. Crowned Henry I, he then pardoned Robert and granted him the duchy of Burgundy. In the meantime, however, the conflict weakened the French monarchy.