(1186-1252) Mother of Saint Louis of France. Entrusted with the regency during the minority of her son, she had to contend with the hostility of the feudal barons. She was an energetic woman and had excellent counsellors in Friar Guerin, Chancellor Barthelemy of Roye, and the papal legate, Frangipani. When Louis IX reached his majority, he found his kingdom enlarged and his authority strengthened. Blanche was again regent during the king's absence on the Crusade.