Charles of Valois (12 March 1270 – 16 December 1325) was a French prince who became the first holder of the title Count of Valois and is regarded as the ancestor who established the House of Valois. He belonged to the ruling Capetian family and his descendants later supplied the kings of France who reigned under the Valois name.

Background

Charles was born in 1270 as a son of King Philip III of France and his second wife, Isabella of Aragon. He was the third surviving son in the royal household. On his mother's side he was a grandson of James I of Aragon and Yolande of Hungary. As a younger son of the king, Charles held significant territorial titles and acted as a prominent member of the wider Capetian dynasty.

Family and legacy

Although Charles never became king himself, his male line produced the Valois kings of France. His son, Philip VI, became the first Valois king in 1328. The House of Valois continued to rule France through successive generations until the late 16th century, making Charles an important progenitor of a major royal house.

  • Born: 12 March 1270
  • Died: 16 December 1325
  • Parents: Philip III of France and Isabella of Aragon
  • Notable descendant: Philip VI of France (son)