Charles II of Navarre

Charles II (October 1332, Évreux, – January 1, 1387, Pamplona), called "Charles the Bad," was King of Navarre 1349–1387 and Count of Évreux 1343–1387.

Besides the Pyrenean Kingdom of Navarre, he had extensive lands in Normandy, inherited from his father Count Philip of Évreux, and his mother, Queen Joan II of Navarre, who had received them as compensation for resigning her claims to France, Champagne, and Brie in 1328. Thus, in Northern France, Charles possessed Évreux, Mortain, parts of Vexin, and a portion of Cotentin.

He hoped for a long time for a restoration of his rights to the crown of France (as son of the daughter of King Louis X).

He married Joan of France (1343–1373), daughter of king John II of France.

He was implicated in the assassination (January 8, 1354) of the constable of France, Charles de la Cerda). In reply, King John attacked Évreux and Navarre, but after Charles allied with the Black Prince, the Treaty of Mantes returned the peace, Charles enlarging his possessions. John captured and imprisoned Charles in 1356, but Charles was released after the Battle of Poitiers. During certain stages of the Hundred Years' War, he was allied with the English. He was one of the nobles involved in the repression of the Jacquerie.

In 1361, after the premature death of his second cousin, Duke Philip I of Burgundy, Charles claimed the Duchy of Burgundy by primogeniture. He was the grandson of Margaret of Burgundy, eldest daughter of Duke Robert II of Burgundy (d. 1306). However, the duchy was taken by John II, son of Joan of Burgundy, second daughter of Duke Robert II, who claimed it in proximity of blood.

In 1364, he was defeated by Bertrand du Guesclin, and driven from his Norman lands.

He had the following children by Joan:

1. Marie (1360, Puente la Reina – aft. 1400), married in Tudela on January 20, 1393 Alfonso d'Aragona, Duke of Gandia (d. 1412)
2. Charles III of Navarre (1361–1425)
3. Bonne (1364 – aft. 1389)
4. Peter d'Évreux, Count of Mortain (c. March 31, 1366, Évreux – c. July 29, 1412, Bourges), married in Alençon on April 21, 1411 Catherine (1380–1462), daughter of Peter II of Alençon
5. Philip (b. 1368), d. young
6. Joanna of Navarre (1370–1437), married first John V, Duke of Brittany, married second Henry IV of England
7. Blanca (1372–1385, Olite)

Preceded by: Joan II	King of Navarre 1349–1387	Succeeded by: Charles III
Preceded by: Philip	Count of Évreux 1343–1387