Berengaria of Castile

Berengaria (1179 or 1180—1246), called the Great, was the eldest daughter of Alfonso VIII and Eleanor of England. Betrothed to Conrad of Swabia, she married her cousin Alfonso IX of León in 1197; Pope Innocent III annulled the union after five children, including the future Ferdinand III. She served as regent for her young brother Henry I after their father's death.

When Henry died in 1217, she succeeded as queen of Castile but within months abdicated in favor of her son. In 1230 she secured his accession to León, reuniting Castile and León, and remained his chief counselor until her death.