Charlotte of Cyprus
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Charlotte of Cyprus (1436–1487) was the daughter of King John II of Cyprus and Helena Palaeologus.
Her mother was a daughter of Theodore II Palaeologus, Despot of Morea and his wife Cleope Malatesta. Theodore was in turn a son of Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus and Helena Dragas.
At the age of 22, upon her father's death, Charlotte became Queen of Cyprus, ruling from 1458 to 1464. Her right to the throne was challenged by her illegitimate half-brother James. After being blockaded in the castle of Kyrenia for three years, in 1463 she fled to Rome, whereupon her half-brother was crowned King James II.
She was married twice:
- John, Duke of Coimbra (grandson of John I, King of Portugal). It is rumoured that his death was due to poisoning, instigated by Queen Helena.
- Louis of Savoy (1436–1482). The couple were married in 1459. Louis was the second son and namesake of Louis, Count of Savoy by Anne of Lusignan, daughter of Janus of Cyprus.
She died childless. In 1485, she ceded her claims to her nephew Charles I of Savoy, the next in the legitimate line of succession.