How did John’s decision to join Richard and Philip II affect Henry II?

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King Henry II and St. Thomas Becket — Henry II Henry II (left) disputing with Thomas Becket (center), miniature from a 14th-century manuscript; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Claudius D.ii).

John’s decision to desert his father, Henry II, to join his brother Richard I and the French king Philip II was a final, devastating blow during the last days of Henry’s reign.12

Henry II spent his final years in conflict with Philip II, who skillfully exploited the estrangement between Henry and his son Richard. By 1189, Richard had entered into an open alliance with Philip against his father. When John—Henry’s youngest and favorite son—also deserted him to join this coalition, it left the aging king isolated and defeated. Shortly after this betrayal, Henry was forced to accept the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Azay-le-Rideau, which required him to confirm territorial concessions to Philip. Henry II died just two days after signing this treaty.3241