Anne de Kiev
Queen · 1051-1060 · born in 1025
Daughter of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Kiev, Anne was given in marriage in 1051 to King Henry I of the Franks, who sought an eastern alliance. A Slavic princess thus ascended the throne of the Franks for the first time, a union celebrated at Reims.
From this union were born Philip I, the first Capetian king to bear a name of Greek origin, and Hugh of France. After Henry I’s death in 1060, Anne acted as regent for the young Philip with Count Baldwin of Flanders, before her role faded.
Her trace is fragile: the documents that show her or the letters she signed “Anna regina” are rare, and legend long confused her with the daughter of a later Russian prince. She remains a singular figure, symbol of the prestige of the principality of Kiev in the 11th century.
In the tree of power
- Spouse: Henri Ier (1031-1060)