ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Yolande of Valois: Duchess of Savoy and Regent

Yolande of France, born on September 23, 1434, was a princess of the House of Valois who became Duchess of Savoy by marriage to Duke Amadeus IX of Savoia. She played a significant role in her husband's reign as regent during his son Philibert I's minority from 1472 until 1478.

Yolande was the daughter of King Charles VII of France, also known as "the Victorious," and Marie of Anjou. Her early life saw her being betrothed to Louis, Duke of Savoy at a young age. Following her marriage in 1452, Yolande's husband became Duke of Savoy in 1465, elevating her to the title of Duchess.

Like her brother Charles, Yolande was an ally to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, against their own brother King Louis XI. This allegiance led to a complex web of family politics and rivalries that would shape the course of European history during this period.

Yolande's life took a significant turn when she married Amadeus IX of Savoy in 1452. The young duke was fragile due to epilepsy, which rendered him unable to rule effectively. Yolanda moved with her husband from Chambéry to Bourg-en-Bresse in search of a more favorable climate for his health. As the Duchess of Savoy, she initially maintained an initial detachment but soon learned to rule alongside her husband.

However, as Amadeus's condition worsened and he became increasingly prostrated by disease, Yolande took on a more prominent role in governing the duchy. Her energy, vitality, and intelligence allowed her to manage power with rare diplomacy until her husband's death. During this time, she also served as regent for their son Philibert I from 1472 until 1478.

Yolanda's tenure as Duchess of Savoy was marked by a growing mystique and charity, which became an integral part of her role in the duchy. Her ability to navigate complex family politics and rivalries earned her respect among her peers, cementing her place in history as one of the most influential women of the Valois dynasty.

In 1476, following the Battle of Grandson, Yolande was accused by her husband's brother-in-law of being in league with Louis XI. However, after his