Constance of Castile, Duchess of Lancaster

Constance of Castile (* 1354, † 1394) was a daughter of Peter the Cruel from his second marriage with Maria de Padilla. She was in need of a male heir heir to the throne of her father. She married in Roquefort, Guyenne, on September 21, 1371 the third son of King Edward III. , John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. A year later, her younger sister Isabella married John's younger brother, Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York, so the sisters her own sisters- in-law were at the same time.

The widowed John of Gaunt was this marriage, despite his years of a relationship with Catherine Swynford, because he wanted to make himself king of Castile, because his chances to the English throne were rather low. However, John was diplomatic as well as military pursuit of the Castilian crown, partially supported by Edmund, be unsuccessful in the end.

Constance's daughter Catherine married Henry III. of Castile, son of the arch-enemy of her grandfather.

Progeny

  • Catalina ( Catherine ) Plantagenet ( 1372-1418 ), married King Henry III. of Castile (1379-1406), grandmother of Isabella the Catholic
  • John Plantagenet (1372-1375)
Peter of Castile Roquefort (Landes) Edward III of England Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York Katherine Swynford Henry III of Castile Catherine of Lancaster
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