James of Aragon

James of Aragon (29 September 1296 – July 1334) was the eldest child of King James II. His mother was Blanche of Naples, the second of his father's four wives. As the king's eldest son, James was not only an infante but also heir apparent to the Crown of Aragon, a realm stretching from north-eastern Spain to Sardinia and Corsica. He is best known for his unexpected decision to renounce his marriage and right to the throne and become a monk.

Marriage controversy James's engagement to Eleanor of Castile was agreed upon in December 1308 at Monreal de Ariza. The union was of great importance, as the one-year-old infanta was the only child of King Ferdinand IV. Eleanor moved to Aragon in 1312, to be raised as its future queen. At the time of the wedding, the bride was only 12 years old, while James was 23.

Cloistered life The king eventually gave in to his son's demands. Father and son's relationship became increasingly strained following the renunciation, with the younger James's instability and licentiousness continuously troubling the king.

On the death of their father in 1327, the crown passed to James's brother, the freshly widowed Alfonso IV. Alfonso proceeded to marry Eleanor, James's former wife, in 1329. James died in July 1334.