1322–1326: Remarriages and the Quest for an Heir

The dynastic question obsesses the reign: without a male heir, the king must secure the succession through alliances and births. Charles IV marries three times in fewer than three years, under the watch of the papacy.

---

⛪ May 1322: Annulment of Marriage to Blanche of Burgundy

Pope John XXII annuls in May 1322 the marriage of Charles IV and Blanche of Burgundy on grounds of affinity (Mahaut of Artois, Blanche’s mother, being also the king’s goddaughter). The decision opens the way to a rapid remarriage.

---

👑 1322–1324: Marie of Luxembourg, Then the Shock at Issoudun

On September 21, 1322 at Provins, Charles marries Marie of Luxembourg. A daughter named Marie is born, but does not survive.

On March 20, 1324, during a journey to Issoudun (Berry), the queen’s carriage overturns: Marie of Luxembourg dies, as does the child she was carrying.

---

👶 1324–1328: Joan of Évreux and Daughters

On July 5, 1324, Charles marries in a third marriage Joan of Évreux. She gives birth to two daughters:

• Joan (1325);
• Marie (1326).

At the king’s death (February 1, 1328), Joan of Évreux is again pregnant: a daughter, Blanche, is born on April 1, 1328.

---

🧩 Rumors and Filiations

Charles IV is sometimes presented as the father of Thomas of La Marche, born from a relationship with Beatrice of La Berruère, but this attribution is debated.

---

🧠 Key Points to Remember

• The reign is rhythmed by the quest for a male heir.
• Papal decisions and dynastic accidents weigh on history.
• The absence of surviving sons prepares the crisis of 1328.