Philip III of Navarre

Philip III of Navarre, known as the Noble, the Wise, and of Évreux, was born on March twenty-seventh, thirteen hundred six. He ascended to the throne of Navarre alongside his wife, Joan II, in thirteen hundred twenty-eight, ruling until his death in thirteen hundred forty-three. In addition to his royal duties, he held the title of Count of Évreux in France from thirteen hundred nineteen.

As a minor member of the French royal family, Philip was the son of Louis of Évreux, a younger son of Philip III of France. His marriage to his cousin Joan, the daughter of Louis X of France, in thirteen hundred eighteen marked a significant turning point in his life. Their union became pivotal when the Capetian main line became extinct, leading to their acquisition of the Kingdom of Navarre and several French fiefs, thus ending a forty-four-year personal union between France and Navarre.

Despite their inability to claim the French crown, Philip and Joan emerged as influential vassals of King Philip VI of France and were recognized as effective co-monarchs in Navarre. Initially, the Navarrese were hesitant to accept Philip as king, but he gradually earned their respect and popularity through his efforts to enhance the kingdom's legislative framework. The couple primarily resided in their French territories but dedicated sufficient time to Navarre, fostering goodwill among its people.

Philip actively supported his Valois cousin during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, taking on the role of army leader. However, during his reign with Joan, the focus of Navarre shifted towards its Iberian neighbors. This shift may have influenced Philip's decision to join the crusade against the Kingdom of Granada, a campaign that ultimately led to his illness and subsequent death.