Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was one of the most influential monarchs in European history. As King of the Franks, Lombards, and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, he played a central role in shaping medieval Europe. However, while his political achievements are widely documented, his personal life particularly his marriages remains a topic of considerable historical interest. Charlemagne’s wives were not merely companions; they were part of his dynastic strategy, strengthening alliances and securing legitimacy through noble bloodlines. The question of who Charlemagne’s wife was is complex, as he had several, each serving a purpose in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Frankish kingdom.
Charlemagne’s First Known Consort: Himiltrude
Before his formal marriages, Charlemagne had a relationship with a woman named Himiltrude. She is considered either his concubine or possibly his first wife in an informal or uncanonical union. Himiltrude bore Charlemagne a son, Pippin the Hunchback. However, she was soon set aside, and little is known about her background. Some sources suggest she was of noble Frankish origin, possibly linked to the Alamannic aristocracy.
The rejection of Himiltrude and Pippin’s later involvement in a failed rebellion against Charlemagne may indicate that the legitimacy of this union was disputed, especially by court historians and ecclesiastical authorities who preferred to emphasize the later, canonical marriages of the emperor.
The Lombard Alliance: Desiderata
Charlemagne’s next marriage was to Desiderata, daughter of Desiderius, King of the Lombards. This union was clearly political, meant to secure an alliance with the powerful Lombard kingdom in Italy. The marriage, however, was short-lived. After just a year, Charlemagne repudiated Desiderata and sent her back to her father’s court. This repudiation not only ended the alliance but also contributed to tensions that led to Charlemagne’s eventual conquest of the Lombard kingdom in 774.
The reasons behind this sudden dissolution remain debated. Some historians argue it was due to pressure from the Pope, who viewed the Lombards as a threat to Papal authority. Others suggest that Desiderata may not have borne any children, making the marriage politically useless to Charlemagne’s dynastic ambitions.
The Queen of the Franks: Hildegard of the Vinzgau
Hildegard of the Vinzgau is arguably the most famous and influential of Charlemagne’s wives. She married Charlemagne around 771 and remained with him until her death in 783. A member of the powerful Germanic nobility, Hildegard came from the Alemannic region and was only about thirteen years old at the time of the marriage a common age for noble unions at the time.
Hildegard bore Charlemagne nine children, many of whom played prominent roles in Carolingian politics. Among them were:
- Charles the Younger designated as Charlemagne’s successor for a time.
- Louis the Pious who ultimately became Emperor after Charlemagne’s death.
- Rotrude who was betrothed to Byzantine Emperor Constantine VI.
Hildegard accompanied Charlemagne on various military campaigns and was reportedly educated and deeply religious. She was buried in the Abbey of Saint Arnulf in Metz, and her memory was honored for generations in Carolingian chronicles. In many ways, she was the archetypal Carolingian queen: fertile, noble, pious, and politically useful.
Later Wives: Fastrada and Luitgard
Fastrada
After Hildegard’s death, Charlemagne married Fastrada, a noblewoman from East Franconia. This marriage lasted from 783 until her death in 794. Fastrada is often portrayed as a divisive figure in the Frankish court. According to the Royal Frankish Annals, she was involved in palace intrigue and was disliked by many nobles for her alleged cruelty and manipulation.
One of the most significant events during Fastrada’s time as queen was the rebellion of Pippin the Hunchback, Charlemagne’s son by Himiltrude. Some chroniclers blamed Fastrada’s influence for escalating the tensions that led to the revolt. Despite the negative portrayal in some sources, Fastrada maintained Charlemagne’s favor until her death. She died in Frankfurt and was buried at St. Alban’s Abbey in Mainz.
Luitgard
Charlemagne’s final known wife was Luitgard, an Alemannic noblewoman whom he married around 794. Luitgard was praised for her intellect and piety. Although their marriage lasted only four years until her death in 800, she reportedly accompanied Charlemagne frequently and played a supportive role in his later reign.
Luitgard did not bear any children, but she seemed to enjoy a harmonious relationship with Charlemagne. Some sources mention that she enjoyed studying Latin with him and participated in the cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
Concubines and Their Role in Charlemagne’s Court
In addition to his official wives, Charlemagne maintained relationships with several concubines, particularly after the death of Luitgard. These women were often of noble birth and held a semi-official status at court. They bore him several children, who were acknowledged and provided for, though they usually did not receive political roles as prominent as those of Hildegard’s sons.
These concubines included:
- Gersuinda a Saxon noblewoman
- Regina mother of Drogo, who became Bishop of Metz
- Adallinda another noblewoman from the Frankish territories
These relationships illustrate the flexible nature of royal unions during the early medieval period, where dynastic and political considerations often outweighed religious norms, especially before the full imposition of strict Church laws on marriage.
Why Charlemagne Married Multiple Times
Charlemagne’s multiple marriages were not unusual for a ruler of his stature in the early medieval period. They were primarily strategic, aimed at strengthening alliances, legitimizing power, and producing heirs. The concept of monogamy, as enforced by the Church later in medieval Europe, was not yet strictly applied to royalty. Each wife served a specific function, whether political, dynastic, or regional, reflecting the complexities of rule in the fragmented territories of early medieval Europe.
Moreover, the shifting alliances and continuous wars of the 8th and 9th centuries required flexibility. Marriages were often dissolved or replaced as political priorities changed. Charlemagne’s approach to matrimony illustrates how deeply entwined personal relationships were with statecraft during the Carolingian Empire.
To ask ‘Who is Charlemagne’s wife?’ is to inquire into a mosaic of relationships that shaped one of Europe’s most powerful empires. From Himiltrude to Luitgard, Charlemagne’s wives were more than personal companions they were political actors, cultural symbols, and dynastic vessels. The legacy of these women, especially Hildegard, continues to shape historical narratives of the Carolingian era. Understanding them provides a fuller picture of the man behind the empire, and the vital roles women played in its construction and governance.