Charles III (
1361, Nantes –
8 September 1425, Olite), called
the Noble, was
King of Navarre from 1387 to his death and
Count of Évreux from 1387 to 1404, when he exchanged it for the title
Duke of Nemours. He spent his reign improving the infrastructure of his kingdom, restoring Navarre's pride after the dismal reign of his father,
Charles the Bad, and mending strained relations with
France.
He married the
infanta Eleanor, daughter of
Henry II of Castile, in 1375, putting an end to the conflict between the Castile and Navarre.
As king, his politics were peace with France, Castile,
Aragon, and
England, support for the
Avignon Papacy, and matrimonial alliance. He collaborated with Castile in a war on the
Kingdom of Granada. By the
Treaty of Paris, he abandoned his claims to
Champagne and
Brie and made peace with France.
In 1413, he created the
Cort, a sort of
supreme court. He created the title
Prince of Viana for the heir the throne, entitling his grandson
Charles in 1423. He was a patron of the arts and he finished construction on the great
Gothic Cathedral of Pamplona. He built the royal palaces at
Tafalla and
Olite, where he died in 1425.
He outlived his sons and was succeeded by his daughter,
Blanca (1425–
1442) and her husband,
John II of Aragon (
1429–1479).
His sister,
Joanna of Navarre, married
Henry IV of England.
Charles III of Navarre
Charles III of Navarre