Beatrix of Rethel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beatrix of Rethel (b. ca. 1131 – d. 30 March 1185) was the third Queen consort of Roger II of Sicily.

[edit] Family

She was a daughter of Ithier, Count of Rethel and Beatrix of Namur. Her father was Count of Rethel from 1158 to 1171.

Ithier was a son of Matilda, Countess of Rethel, last reigning member of the First House of Rethel by her husband and co-ruler Eudes of Vitry, Count of Rethel. His parents were co-rulers of Rethel from 1124 to the death of Matilda in 1151. Eudes was the only ruler to his own death in 1158. Their male-line descendants were the Second House of Rethel.

Matilda was a sister of Gervais, Count of Rethel, Baldwin II of Jerusalem, Hodierne of Rethel (wife to Roger of Salerno) and Beatrice of Rethel (wife of Leo I of Armenia). Their parents were Hugh I, Count of Rethel and Melisende of Montlhéry.

Melisende was a daughter of Guy I of Montlhéry and his wife Hodierna of Gometz.

[edit] Marriage

In 1151, Beatrix married Roger II of Sicily. Roger died on 26 February 1154 following three years of marriage. Their only daughter was born following his death:

Constance of Sicily (b. 2 November 1154 – d. 27 November 1198). Married Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor.

The Queen Dowager survived her husband by thirty-one years bit is not known to have married again. Her daughter Constance became Queen regnant of the Kingdom of Sicily on 25 December 1194.