Charles II of Navarre
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Charles II (1332–1387), 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 d'Espagne (Charles de La Cerda). In reply, King John attacked Evreux 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 was the father of Joanna of Navarre, who married Henry IV of England, and Charles III of Navarre, who succeeded him.