1316–1328: Regency, Succession Custom, and Anointing of Philip VI

To understand Philip VI’s accession to the throne in 1328 at the expense of Edward III, we must go back to 1316. Louis X dies without a living male heir; his wife is pregnant and the direct heir is Joan of Navarre, still a minor. The crisis is aggravated by the suspicion of illegitimacy surrounding Joan’s birth (the affair of Queen Margaret).

The powerful Philip of Poitiers imposes himself as regent. At the death of John I (November 1316), the great lords favor the one they judge most capable of governing: Philip has himself anointed in January 1317, and the exclusion of Joan becomes a precedent. The idea becomes established that in case of “problem,” the element of election and political decision can resume its rights.

In 1322, Charles IV succeeds without major contest thanks to this precedent. But in 1328, the last son of Philip the Fair dies in turn without a son: the dynastic question returns, more serious than ever.

---

👑 1328: Regency and Choice of a King

Charles IV dies on February 1, 1328; his widow Joan of Évreux is pregnant. Philip of Valois is chosen as regent and takes advantage of this position to neutralize rivals, notably the Évreux‑Navarre pole.

On April 1, 1328, Joan of Évreux gives birth to a daughter, Blanche. The crown then passes to Philip of Valois, heir through the male line of the Capetian lineage.

---

🕯️ Anointing and Reactions

On May 29, 1328, Philip VI is anointed at Reims by Archbishop William of Trie. Edward III, Duke of Aquitaine and peer of France, does not attend the anointing. The decision is not surprising in England, but Isabella of France protests on behalf of her son’s rights. Envoys seek an audience in Paris and are not received.

In 1329, the English Parliament declares that Edward has no right to the crown of France and that he must render homage for Aquitaine. The dynastic question is provisionally “stabilized,” but it does not disappear: it will resurface as a major argument in the rupture of 1337.

---

🧠 Key Points to Remember

• 1316–1317 establishes a precedent: succession becomes a political decision.
• 1328: regency, birth of Blanche, choice of Philip VI.
• The anointing of 1328 and English reactions prepare the war.