Definition

Proper noun 1. King of England (1207-1272): The son of King John, who reigned as King of England from 1216 to 1272. His reign was marked by baronial revolt and the development of parliamentary institutions. 2. King of France (1551-1589): The son of Henry II of France, who reigned as King of France from 1574 to 1589. He was the last king of the Valois dynasty, and his rule occurred during the French Wars of Religion.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the English king:
  • Henry III was only nine years old when he became king.
  • The reign of Henry III saw the signing of the Provisions of Oxford.
• Referring to the French king:
  • Henry III was assassinated by a fanatical monk.
  • During the rule of Henry III, France was torn by religious conflict.

Advanced Usage

• The name is typically used in a historical context. To avoid ambiguity between the English and French monarchs, the context or the phrase "of England" or "of France" is often specified.
  • Henry III of England faced rebellion led by Simon de Montfort.
  • The court of Henry III of France was known for its extravagance.

Variants and Related Words

• Valois: The royal house of France to which Henry III of France belonged.
• Plantagenet: The royal house of England to which Henry III of England belonged.
• Monarch: A sovereign head of state, such as a king or queen.

Synonyms

• The King: Can be used contextually (e.g., "The King convened Parliament").
• The Monarch: A more formal, general term.
• The Sovereign: Another formal term for a supreme ruler.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Simon de Montfort: The English nobleman who led a rebellion against Henry III of England.
• French Wars of Religion: The series of conflicts in France during the reign of Henry III of France.
• Provisions of Oxford: A constitutional reform document imposed on Henry III of England by his barons.

Noun

1. son of King John and king of England from 1216 to 1272; his incompetence aroused baronial opposition led by Simon de Montfort (1207-1272)
2. son of Henry II of France and the last Valois to be king of France (1551-1589)