Constance of Arles and the Capetian Revolt Against Robert II (1025–1031)

By the late 1020s, tensions within the Capetian royal family erupted into open rebellion, with Queen Constance of Arles encouraging her sons to rise against their father, King Robert II of France. Frustrated by Robert’s favoritism toward his second son, Henry, and the continued denial of Burgundy to her third son, Robert, Constance actively supported and incited their revolt.

Constance's Role in the Rebellion

• Having previously sided with Robert II against their rebellious eldest son, Hugh Magnus, Constance now turned against her husband after Hugh’s death in 1025.
• She urged her surviving sons to seize their inheritance by force, taking advantage of the kingdom’s fragmented feudal structure.
• Her actions reflected the political ambitions of her Provençal family, as she sought to secure power and lands for her children.