Constance of Sicily was a 13th-century queen who held titles in both Aragon and Sicily. Born in Catania to King Manfred, she married Peter III of Aragon in 1262. Following her father's death, she maintained a claim to the Sicilian throne, which she eventually ruled alongside her husband from 1282 until 1285. After the passing of her husband, she entered the religious life, joining the Poor Clares. She died in Barcelona in 1302 and is recognized as a blessed in the Catholic tradition.
Life and reign
As the daughter of Manfred, Constance inherited a significant claim to Sicily. Her marriage to Peter III established her as the queen consort of Aragon. During the Sicilian Vespers, her family asserted their rights to the island, leading to a partition of the kingdom between her heirs and the House of Anjou. She raised six children, including future rulers of Aragon and Sicily.
Religious life
Following the death of her husband in 1285, Constance transitioned from royal life to a religious vocation. She lived as a nun within the Poor Clares order. She passed away in Barcelona in 1302. In the Catholic Church, she is honored as a blessed, with feast days observed on April 8 and July 17.
Literary legacy
Constance is featured in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. In the Purgatorio, she is mentioned through the speech of her father, Manfred. He describes her as a holy figure whose prayers could assist his own progress through Purgatory toward Paradise.