The seven years later the marriage was negotiated by Isabella in a desperate attempt to gain assistance for the disposal of her husband, King Edward II. For Philippa it was a love match, even crying at the
departure of the boy king after the arrival at her home. Isabella quickly took advantage of the betrothal and hired an army of Hainulters 700 strong for her landing in England.

Phillipa and Edward were first married by proxy at her home in Valenciennes in 1327. She would be escorted to her new home in London by her uncle, Sir John of Hainault. On Sunday 24 January 1328 Edward
and Phillipa were married in York Minister by Archbishop Melton. She would not be crowned Queen for two years until February 1330 at time 5 months pregnant with her first born, The Black Prince. Her postponed
coronation is attributed to the refusal of Isabella who refused to relinquish her Crown. She would be a good wife to Edward, always sweet of temperment and Edward was supposedly very fond of his Douce Couer, as he would call her. She was reputed not to be a great beauty as husband's mother, but very warm hearted and loyal. She would bear him 12 children and have a good relationship with her children. It said the peace between Edward's Children as opposed to Henry II's children would be due to Philippas loving care.

Edward himself, would value her not only as his wife, but as a valuable adviser. She would accompany him on his many expeditions one of them being Calais where she would stop Edward from exeucuting the famous Burghers of Calais. Their marriage would be a happy in on the whole,however, this would not stop of him from sharing his bed with other women, notably Alice Perrers, once one of Phillipa's lady in waiting. It is not known how Philippa felt at her husband's obvious indiscretions. It is known that at her death she provided for her many ladies with the exception of Alice, who she probably resented for the affair with her husband.

Philippa would die in August 1369 only accompanied by 2 of her children, Prince Edward and Thomas. Her death was deeply felt by all especially the King who lost a great and wise adviser.

Home Introduction ± Royal Pages: ± Previous ± 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ± Next ±