Secrets of History | Blanche of Castile - Queen Mother and Strong Personality

A 2018 France TV History Documentary hosted by Stéphane Bern. Audio in French with English subtitles.

Blanche of Castile was Queen of France by marriage to Louis VIII. She acted as regent twice during the reign of her son, Louis IX: during his minority from 1226 until 1234, and during his absence from 1248 until 1252. She was born in Palencia, Spain, 1188, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, King of Castile, and Eleanor of England, second daughter of Henry II, King of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

During the English barons' rebellion of 1215-16 against King John, it was Blanche's English ancestry as granddaughter to Henry II that led to Louis being offered the throne of England as Louis I. However, with the death of John in October 1216, the barons changed their allegiance to John's son, the nine-year-old Henry.

Blanche was not a pious regent confided in religion even if she was obsessed by the eternal salvation of her crowned son, King Louis IX, who became Saint Louis. A woman with an unusual personality, she dominated the thirteenth century by her character and courage.