Catherine of Valois (1303–1346)

Catherine de Valois - Courtenay (* November 1301 in Siena, † September 20, 1346 in Naples) was Titularkaiserin of Constantinople Opel and regent of the Principality of Achaia. She was the daughter of Charles de Valois and Catherine de Courtenay.

Already in 1303 she was engaged to Hugo V. of Burgundy. After her mother 's death in 1308, Catherine inherited the title of emperor. Her uncle, King Philip of France, Hugo considered unsuitable to recapture Constantinople Opel, operation and dissolution of the engagement, which was announced by Catherine on September 30, 1312. At the same time it was announced their intention to marry the divorced since 1309 Prince Philip of Taranto.

The wedding was celebrated on July 29, 1313 in Fontainebleau, after the papal dispensation was received and Catherine had renounced their French possessions. In the marriage contract, the Philip the Fair on July 30 signed, the re-establishment of the Latin rule in Constantinople Opel was held as a political goal of marriage. In the event of premature death of Philip of Taranto Catherine was determined as regent for their minor children; as dowry she received the county Acerra.

Their children were:

• Robert II (1326-1364), Prince of Taranto and Achaea
• Ludwig (1329-1362), Prince of Taranto, married to Queen Joan I of Naples
• Margherita
• Mary
• Philip II (1331-1374), Prince of Taranto and Achaea