Why did Edward III claim the French throne?

Edward III’s claim to the French throne was rooted in both dynastic legitimacy and strategic necessity. Following the death of Charles IV in 1328, who left no male heir, Edward III asserted his right to the crown through his mother, Isabella, who was the sister of the late king. This made Edward more closely related by blood to the last ruler of the Capetian dynasty than the chosen successor, Philip VI of the House of Valois.12

Beyond bloodline, the claim served as a vital political tool. By asserting himself as the rightful king of France, Edward avoided being viewed merely as a rebellious vassal of the French crown, allowing his allies to support his cause without dishonor. The claim was also fueled by Edward's strong ties to France, his pride in his ancestry, and escalating tensions over the status of Gascony and French support for Scotland. Ultimately, the assertion of this claim provided the legal and propaganda framework for the Hundred Years’ War.23