| Alys of France | |
|---|---|
| Countess ofVexin Countess consort ofPonthieu | |
| Born | 4 October 1160 |
| Died | c. 1218–1220 (aged 59–60) |
| Spouse | William IV, Count of Ponthieu |
| Issue | Marie, Countess of Ponthieu |
| House | Capet |
| Father | Louis VII of France |
| Mother | Constance of Castile |
Alys of France, Countess ofVexin (4 October 1160 – c. 1218–1220), known in English as "Alice", was a French princess, initially betrothed toRichard I of England. Her engagement was broken in 1190, through negotiations between Richard and her half-brotherPhilip Augustus of France. Philip then attempted to betroth her to Richard's brotherJohn but this betrothal was rejected. Alys marriedWilliam IV, Count of Ponthieu, on 20 August 1195. She died between 1218 and 1220.
Born 4 October 1160,[1] Alys was the daughter ofLouis VII, King of France and his second wife,Constance of Castile.[2] She was the half-sister ofMarie andAlix of France, Louis's children byEleanor of Aquitaine, and the younger sister ofMargaret of France. Just five weeks after Constance died giving birth to Alys, Louis marriedAdèle of Champagne, by whom he had two further children, including the future KingPhilip II of France.
In January 1169, Alys was contracted, by Louis and KingHenry II of England, for marriage to Henry's sonRichard the Lionheart.[3] The 8-year-old Alys was then sent, with no dowry,[3] to England as Henry's ward.
In 1177, Cardinal Peter of Saint Chrysogonus, on behalf ofPope Alexander III, threatened to place England's continental possessions under aninterdict if Henry did not proceed with the marriage.[4] There were widespread rumors that Henry had not only made Alys his mistress, but that she had a child with him.[5] Henry died in 1189, and Richard ascended the English throne. Richard broke off Alys' betrothal in 1190, during personal talks with her brother the French king, Philip Augustus, on their way towards the Holy Land during theThird Crusade.[6] Richard made financial restitutions and marriedBerengaria of Navarre on 12 May 1191.[6]
Philip had offered Alys toPrince John, but Eleanor prevented the match.[7] Alys marriedWilliam IV Talvas,Count of Ponthieu, on 20 August 1195.[8] They had a daughter,Marie, Countess of Ponthieu.[9] Alys died between 1218 and 1220.[10]
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