According to Edward III’s argument, the crown could pass through women, even if women themselves could not rule. However, this idea creates many problems when we follow it step by step.
For example, if Edward’s rule had been accepted, he would have become king of France in 1328 after the death of Charles IV (also called Charles the Fair). But his position would not have been secure. Soon after, another person could have claimed the throne Edward’s Homage to Philip VI.
A man named Louis of Male, who was born in 1330, was the son of Margaret, the second daughter of Charles IV. According to Edward’s logic, Louis could claim a better right to the crown because he was the son of a king’s daughter.
Then, Louis himself could be replaced by another relative. Philip, Count of Artois, was the son of the eldest daughter of Charles IV. His claim might be considered stronger because he came from the older line.
Even this would not end the confusion. Charles of Navarre, who was a descendant of an earlier king through a female line, could also claim the throne. This shows that if inheritance through women were allowed, many different people could claim the crown at different times.
Confusion in the Line of Succession
These examples make it clear that Edward’s idea would create endless confusion. The crown could pass from one person to another very quickly, depending on births and family connections. There would be no clear or stable line of succession Ephesus Sightseeing Tour
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Such a system would lead to constant arguments and possibly civil war. For this reason, many people believed that it was safer to follow a simple rule: the crown should pass only through the male line.
Strength of the Salic Law
At this time, the Salic Law became very important in France. This law stated that women could not inherit the crown, and they could not pass on the right to their children.
Recent events had made this rule even stronger. From the time of Hugh Capet to Louis X (also called Louis Hutin), the French crown had passed from father to son for eleven generations. This long tradition made people believe that the male line should always be followed.
The Case of Louis X
When Louis X died in 1316, his wife was pregnant. Because no one knew if the child would be a boy or a girl, his brother was made regent to rule temporarily.
Later, the queen gave birth to a son. This seemed to solve the problem, as the baby was the rightful king. However, the child lived only for a few days and then died.
After this, Louis’s brother became King Philip V (Philip the Long). Before the child was born, an important council had already decided what should happen. The princes and nobles agreed that if the queen gave birth to a girl, she would not become queen of France. Instead, the crown would go to Philip.
Difference Between France and Navarre
Interestingly, this rule did not apply to all kingdoms. The same council decided that while a daughter could not inherit the crown of France, she could inherit the kingdom of Navarre. This shows that different countries followed different rules about inheritance.
For example, Joan, the daughter of Louis X, did not become queen of France, but she did have rights to Navarre.