Himnechildis (r. 662–675)

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Himnechildis (r. 662–675)

Queen and regent of Austrasia. Name variations: Hymnegilde or Hymnégilde; Chimnechild. Reigned as regent from 662 to 675; married Sigibert III (630–656), king of eastern Frankish kingdom of Austrasia (r. 632–656), in 633; children: at least one son, Saint Dagobert II (652–678/79), king of Austrasia (r. 674–678); at least one daughter Bilchilde (d. 675).

Upon the death of her husband Sigibert III, king of Austrasia, in 656, Himnechildis was named co-regent for her nephew Childeric II. Her son Dagobert II had been spirited off to an Irish monastery by Grimoald, mayor of Austrasia, who had tried to install his own son Childebert on the throne but was killed in the process. Before Childeric II was assassinated in 675, Himnechildis, with the help of Vulfoald, the Austrasian mayor, and Wilfred, bishop of York, had Dagobert restored to his proper place on the throne (r. 674–678).