Ingeborg of Denmark, Queen of France

Ingeborg of Denmark was born around the year 1175 as the daughter of King Valdemar I of Denmark. In 1193, she was married to King Philip II of France as part of a political alliance between their two countries. However, the marriage was quickly annulled due to Philip's infatuation with another woman, Agnes of Merania. Ingeborg refused to accept the annulment and remained in France, living as Philip's prisoner for 20 years. She was eventually freed after the intervention of Pope Innocent III, who declared the annulment unlawful and ordered Philip to take Ingeborg back as his wife. Although they were formally reconciled, Ingeborg remained in the background of French politics and did not have any children with Philip. Ingeborg spent the rest of her life largely in seclusion, devoting herself to religious activities and charitable works. She died in 1238 and was buried at the Abbey of Saint-Jean-aux-Bois in France. Despite her difficult life, she is remembered for her unwavering resilience and the strength of her character.