of Epirus, and supported him in his attempt to assert himself in his land against the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos. Final Years Her presence in Achaea was no longer needed by the time Robert reached adulthood in 1341. She became Governor of Cephalonia and spent the last five years of her life in this responsibility. After the murder of Joan's husband, Andrew of Hungary, Joan sought a new husband amongst her Taranto cousins. Catherine supported her younger son, Louis of Taranto, against her older son, Robert. She sheltered Charles of Artois, a bastard son of Robert the Wise, and his son Bertrand, who were both suspected of complicity. When asked to give them up, she refused and stated she would punish them herself if they were guilty. She died in Naples in October 1346. Queen Joan organized her funeral at the church of San Domenico. Issue By Philip I of Taranto, Catherine II had four children: Margaret (c. 1325–1380), married Francis of Baux, Duke of Andria. By Francis, she was the mother of James of Baux, Prince of Achaea and titular Emperor of Constantinople. Robert (1326–1364), Prince of Taranto, titular Emperor of Constantinople (as Robert II). Louis (1327/28–1362), Prince of Taranto and King of Naples by right of his wife. Philip II (1329–1374), Prince of Taranto and Achaea, titular Emperor of Constantinople (as Philip III). Ancestry Notes References Guida Myrl Jackson-Laufer, Women Rulers Throughout the Ages: An Illustrated Guide, ABC-CLIO, 1999. External links Catherine listed among other influential women of her time 1303 births 1346 deaths 14th-century Latin Emperors of Constantinople House of Valois House of Anjou-Taranto Latin Empresses of Constantinople Princesses of Taranto 14th-century women rulers 14th-century French people 14th-century French women Empresses regnant