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Why did Philip VI declare Guyenne confiscated in 1337?

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Edward III Edward III, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).

Philip VI declared the duchy of Guyenne confiscated on May 24, 1337, as tensions between England and France escalated toward the Hundred Years’ War.

The decision was driven by a breakdown in diplomatic relations and mutual preparations for conflict. Following the death of Charles IV in 1328, Edward III had initially challenged Philip’s succession to the French throne. Although Edward eventually performed homage for Guyenne, the relationship remained strained.1

By 1334, the situation deteriorated further as Edward, influenced by the exiled Robert III of Artois, sought to recover Gascon lands lost during the reign of Charles IV and demanded that France end its alliance with Scotland. Edward began intriguing against Philip in the Low Countries and Germany, while Philip responded by supporting the Scots and forming an alliance with Castile. With both monarchs actively preparing for war, Philip utilized his suzerainty over the duchy to declare it forfeit.1