Isabella of France (c. 1292-1358) was the queen consort of Edward II of England (r. 1307-1327). After heading a coup to overthrow her
husband, she ruled as regent for their young son, Edward III of England (r. 1327-1377) until he forced her into retirement in 1330. She
died in England in 1358 and is known to history as the "she-wolf of France."
Isabella of France was the daughter of Philip IV of France (r. 1285-1314), also known as Philip the Fair, and Joan I of Navarre. Her exact
date of birth is unrecorded, but most historical sources agree that she was born in Paris c. 1292. She was the youngest of four siblings
and the only daughter of King Philip to survive into adulthood. She was raised primarily around the Louvre Palace and the Palais de la
Cité in Paris, where she conversed with and learned from some of the brightest intellects of her day. Remarkably for her time, she was
permitted an elite education, and she would utilize her intelligence throughout her life to further her ambitions. However, despite
being allowed the privilege of an education, she could not escape the reality of being married off for political alliances. Â
For the first few years of her marriage, Isabella tried to play peacekeeper in Edward's court, and she turned the other way when her
husband showed more attention and favoritism to Piers Gaveston. Rather than fight for her husband's affections, she tried to work
