Edward III or Edward of Windsor as he was known in his youth, was the eldest son of Edward II and Isabella of France. In the summer of 1326, Isabella conspired against Edward II. she arranged the engagement of Prince Edward to the twelve-year-old Philippa of Hainault, daughter of William III, Count of Holland and Hainault She wanted to raise funds to have Edward deposed. Isabella conspired with the exiled Roger Mortimer, her lover. England was invaded in 1326 and Edward II’s forces deserted him.
On the 26th of October 1326, after the fall of Bristol, Prince Edward was proclaimed warden of the kingdom during his father’s absence. On the 13th of January 1327 parliament recognized him as king. Edward II, charged with incompetence and breaking his coronation oath, was forced to resign on the 25th of January 1327 in favour of his son 14 year old son Edward III, with Isabella and Mortimer acting as regents. Edward II died in Berkeley Castle on September 21, 1327, probably murdered on the orders of Isabella and Mortimer.
At the age of 14, the new king was crowned as Edward III on 1 February 1327 at Westminster Abbey by Walter Reynolds, Archbishop of Canterbury. Due to a concern to confirm the legitimacy of the regime, the coronation was hurriedly organised. On the night of Edward’s coronation, the Scots attempted to capture the castle of Norham by surprise.
Edward III married Philippa at York Minster on 24 January 1328. Philippa’s coronation took place a after their marriage on 18 February 1330. Her coronation was performed by Simon Mepeham, Archbishop of Canterbury.
As soon as Edward came of age in the 1330 he had the queen incarcerated where she was held for the rest of her life and executed Roger Mortimer.
Edward III is believed to have pawned the jewels to pay his troops during an overseas campaign.