Born on May 2, 1402, Eleanor was the daughter of Ferdinand I of Aragon and Eleanor of Alburquerque. At the age of 14, Eleanor's father passed away, and her mother arranged her marriage to the future King Edward of Portugal. On September 22, 1428, Eleanor and Edward were wed, and their union would result in nine children, though tragically, only five would survive to adulthood.

In 1433, Eleanor's life took a dramatic turn when she became Queen of Portugal on the same day her eldest child passed away. However, her reign as queen was short-lived, as her husband Edward died in 1438, leaving Eleanor as regent for their young son, Afonso V. As an Aragonese and with little experience in governing, Eleanor faced significant challenges in gaining the support and trust of the Portuguese people.

Eleanor's regency was met with opposition and unrest. The people of Portugal favored Edward's brother, Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra, as regent. The confirmation of Eleanor's regency caused a riot in Lisbon, which was eventually suppressed by her brother, Count John of Barcelona, who would later become King John II of Aragon. Despite facing opposition, Eleanor was supported by the nobility and her late husband's will.

Negotiations for a compromise between Eleanor and Peter's factions proved to be protracted and complicated. The Count of Barcelos supported Eleanor, while the Archbishop of Lisbon sided with Peter. The power struggle continued while Eleanor faced personal trials, including the birth of a posthumous daughter, Joan, in March 1439 and the loss of her eldest daughter, Philippa, to tuberculosis.

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Eventually, the Portuguese Cortes appointed Peter as the sole regent, marking the end of Eleanor's regency. However, she did not give up easily and continued to conspire against Peter's rule. Unfortunately, Eleanor's health deteriorated, and she was forced to seek exile in Castile in December 1440. She spent her final years in Toledo, where she succumbed to a prolonged respiratory illness and passed away in February 1445.

Eleanor of Aragon was laid to rest in Batalha, Portugal, leaving behind a complex legacy. Her role as queen and regent during a tumultuous period in Portuguese history demonstrated her resilience and determination. Although faced with challenges and opposition, Eleanor fought for the interests of her son and the crown. Her contributions to the kingdom's political landscape, albeit short-lived, shaped the future of Portugal.

Beyond her political endeavors, Eleanor's most lasting legacy lies in her children. Her son, Afonso V, would go on to become the 12th King of Portugal and continue the royal lineage. Additionally, her daughter Eleanor married Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, forging important alliances for the kingdom. Another daughter, Joan, married King Henry IV of Castile, further strengthening diplomatic ties.

Eleanor of Aragon's life serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of women in positions of power. Despite facing political challenges, personal losses, and exile, Eleanor remained steadfast in her dedication to her family and her kingdom. Her contributions to Portuguese history, though often overshadowed, should be remembered as part of the rich tapestry of the nation's past.