Charles, Count of Valois

Charles, Count of Valois, born on the twelfth of March in the year one thousand two hundred seventy, was a prominent figure in French history. As a member of the illustrious House of Capet, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the House of Valois, which would govern France from the year one thousand three hundred twenty-eight until one thousand five hundred eighty-nine.

He was the fourth son of King Philip III of France and Isabella of Aragon. Throughout his life, Charles ruled over several principalities, holding the counties of Valois, Alençon, and Perche as part of his appanage. His first marriage to Margaret, Countess of Anjou, granted him the titles of Count of Anjou and Maine, further solidifying his political influence.

In a significant turn of events, Charles married Catherine I, the Latin Empress of Constantinople, which allowed him to claim the title of titular Latin Emperor of Constantinople from the year one thousand three hundred one to one thousand three hundred seven. However, his reign was marked by exile, as he only wielded authority over the Crusader States in Greece.

As the grandson of the revered King Louis IX of France, Charles was intricately connected to the royal lineage, being a son, brother, brother-in-law, and son-in-law to various kings and queens across France, Navarre, England, and Naples. His legacy continued through his descendants, the House of Valois, which ascended to the French throne three years after his passing, beginning with his eldest son, King Philip VI of France.