Beatrice of Provence - Marriage

Marriage

When Berenguer had died on 19 August 1245, Beatrice became one of the most attractive heiresses in medieval Europe. Various suitors had tried to seize her, so her mother, Beatrice of Savoy, placed the younger Beatrice in a safe fortress, secured the trust of its people then went to the Pope for his protection. In Cluny during December 1245, a secret discussion took place between Pope Innocent IV, Louis IX of France, his mother Blanche of Castile and his brother Charles of Anjou. It was decided that in return for Louis IX's supporting the Pope militarily, the Pope would allow Charles of Anjou, youngest brother to the French King, to marry Beatrice of Provence. Provence, however, was to never go to France outright through Charles. It was agreed that if Charles and Beatrice had children, the county would go to them; if there was no issue, then the county would go to Beatrice's sister Sanchia. If Sanchia died without an heir, Provence would go to the King of Aragon.

Beatrice of Savoy, who had been granted the usufruct of the county for her lifetime according to her husband's will, agreed to the marriage between Charles of Anjou and her youngest daughter, Beatrice. Charles, along with Philip of Savoy and five hundred knights, rode from Lyon to Provence. On their way, they ran into Raymond VII Count of Toulouse, who also had an army on the way to Provence. However, Raymond of Toulouse had been deceived by knights in favour of Charles and for that reason he had brought fewer men, and Charles and his army were quicker. When Charles got to Aix-en-Provence, James I of Aragon, who had been there all along but was not allowed to see Beatrice, had his soldiers surrounding the castle in which the young Beatrice and her mother were. There was a brief struggle, but the King of Aragon retreated with dignity. To the young Beatrice, Charles, who was described as "an admirable young man", was a satisfactory resolution to her problems. The marriage took place in Aix-en-Provence. They had soldiers on guard and the bride was escorted down the aisle by her uncle, Thomas, count of Savoy.

As soon as Charles became Count of Provence, he brought in his own team of French lawyers and accountants. He excluded his mother-in-law Beatrice of Savoy from the running of the county and began taking castles, power and fees away from the nobles who had previously enjoyed a certain degree of independence in the running of their cities. Charles made himself very unpopular. Beatrice of Savoy moved herself to Forcalquier in protest, and in Marseille, Charles's officials were thrown out of the city. In the family conflict the younger Beatrice sided with her husband.