Louis VII, sometimes called Louis the Younger (because he was co-king for seven years with his father Louis VI) was born in 1120. Ascending to the throne in 1137, he married the high-spirited Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1137. The two were not well-matched (Eleanor, remarking on her husband's piety, complained that she thought she married a king, but it turned out she married a monk) and divorced in 1152. Henry remarried Constance of Castile in 1154, who died in childbirth in 1160. He married a third time, to his current wife Adèle of Champagne, in 1162. Their only son Phillip Augustus, was born last year.
Louis participated in the Second Crusade, reportedly fighting well in a losing cause. He won the favor of Pope Alexander by supporting him against his rival anti-popes.
Now in his 40s, King Louis is still known for his caution and piety. He is making careful moves to hold his rivals and ambitious vassals, especially Henry II, in check.
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