Profile of the Day: Edward III of England

Edward III of England

On November 13, 1312, Edward III of England was born at Windsor Castle. He was crowned the King of England at the age of 14 after his father, Edward II, was deposed by his mother and her consort Roger Mortimer.

Remembered for restoring royal authority after the disastrous reign of his father, Edward transformed the Kingdom of England into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe.

In 1337, Edward claimed himself to be the rightful heir of France. His uncle, King Charles IV of France, had died without a direct male heir. As the closest male relative of the deceased king, Edward proclaimed himself the rightful ruler of France. However, in accordance with French rules of succession, women and heirs through female lines were disqualified from inheriting the throne. Thus, Philip VI of France, cousin to the deceased king, was crowned. The resulting dispute led England into the Hundred Years War with France.

Did you know Edward III is one of only six British monarchs to have ruled for more than fifty years?

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