Death of Charles VII and the succession of Louis XI

Background. Charles VII, known as the Victorious, ruled France from 1422 until his death in 1461. His reign saw the end of the Hundred Years' War and a de facto end of English claims to the French throne. By the time of his death, Philip the Good was reigning as duke of Burgundy, with the duchy having expanded its borders significantly.

Dynastic Transition. In July 1461, Charles VII's physicians concluded that he would not live past August. He died on 22 July 1461. His son Louis, who had been at the Burgundian court, left to take possession of his kingdom. Louis XI became King of France on 22 July 1461.

Coronation Context. Reims played a prominent ceremonial role in French monarchical history as the traditional site of the coronation of the kings of France. The archbishops of Reims held the important prerogative of the consecration of the kings of France, a privilege exercised from the time of Philippe II Augustus to that of Charles X.