In 1326, Isabella of France led an audacious invasion against her own husband, King Edward II of England. Stripped of her lands and separated from her children, the French-born queen refused to accept defeat. She gathered 1,500 mercenaries and sailed across the Channel, launching the first successful invasion ever led by a queen.
The English people, tired of Edward II\'s misrule and his corrupt advisor Hugh Despenser, rallied to Isabella\'s banner. Within weeks, she captured both men. Edward II became the first English king ever deposed from his throne.
Isabella ruled England as regent for her young son, Edward III. She restored order to a kingdom that had suffered under years of mismanagement, though her own rule would eventually end in dramatic fashion.
Her bold actions changed the course of English history, proving that even in medieval times, a woman could successfully challenge a king\'s authority when justice demanded it.
Sources: Medieval chronicles, royal records, History Extra