Blanche of Castile definition of Blanche of Castile in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Blanche of Castile (bläNsh, kăstēl`), 1185?–1252, queen of Louis VIII of France and regent during the minority (1226–34) of their son Louis IX Louis IX or Saint Louis, 1214–70, king of France (1226–70), son and successor of Louis VIII. His mother, Blanche of Castile , was regent during his minority (1226–34), and her regency probably lasted even after Louis reached
..... Click the link for more information. . A forceful and capable ruler, she checked the coalitions of the great lords and frustrated the attempt (1230) of Henry III Henry III, 1207–72, king of England (1216–72), son and successor of King John.

Reign

Early Years

Henry became king under a regency; William Marshal, 1st earl of Pembroke , and later Pandulf acted as chief of government, while
..... Click the link for more information. of England to regain his father's lands in France. She remained a lifelong adviser to Louis IX, was again regent on his departure (1248) for the Holy Land, and was coregent with her son Alphonse from 1250 until her death.