Later Years
On 12 August 1376, John V was deposed in a coup d'état by their son Andronikos IV. Helena was held in captivity along with most of the imperial family. Andronikos IV was mainly supported by the Republic of Genoa. His main opposition came from the Republic of Venice, traditional enemy of Genoa, and Murad I. Andronikos IV had co-operated with Savci Bey, a son of Murad, in a combined attempt to depose their respective fathers in 1373. Murad remained hostile to him and a supported of John V.
Murad was responsible for the restoration of John V on 1 July 1379. Andronikos retreated to Galata which was under Genoese control. Helena was taken with him as a hostage and remained in captivity until 1381.
The conflict of John V and Andronikos IV continued to the death of the latter in 1385. Andronikos IV was replaced by his son John VII Palaiologos who managed to briefly depose his grandfather in 1390. The role of Helena in the conflict was possibly minimal as few sources even mention her.
John V was restored to the throne but died on 16 February 1391. Helena survived him and retired to the convent of Hagia Martha under the monastic name Hypomone ("Patience"). She died there as a nun.
Read more about this topic: Helena Kantakouzene
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