Saint Sigebert III, King of the Austrasian Franks

Other Events and Attributes:

• General Information: He was described as the first Merovingian roi fainéant, that is "do-nothing king", in effect the mayor of the palace ruling the kingdom throughout his reign. However he lived a pious Christian life and was later sanctified, being remembered as Saint Sigebert of Austrasia in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day on 1 February. He is the patron saint of Nancy.
• Parents: Father: Dagobert I, King of the Franks Mother: Ragnetrude, concubine of Dagobert
• Miscellaneous: 633; A revolt of the nobles forced Dagobert to make the three-year old Sigebert king of Austrasia, similar to how his father Chlotar II had made him king of Austrasia in 623. However, he refused to give the power to Pepin of Landen by making him mayor of the palace for the child-king. Instead he had put Sigebert under the tutelage of Adalgisel as mayor of the palace and the Bishop of Cologne Saint Cunibert as regent, while keeping Pepin in Neustria as hostage.
• Reign: From 633 to 656; King of the Austrasian Franks (Merovingian dynasty)
• Last Full Review: 13 Aug 2020

Notes:

Name:

Christened:
Dagobert I, his father, recalled and made peace with Saint Amand, who was previously banished for criticizing the king's vices, and asked him to baptize his new-born son. The ceremony was performed at Orléans and Charibert II, Dagobert's half-brother who was King of Aquitaine at the time, was the god-father.

Buried:
In 1063 his body, found incorrupt, was taken out of the tomb and moved to the side of the altar. The abbey was demolished in 1552 and the relics were moved to the Nancy Cathedral.

Died:
He died of natural causes.

Sigebert married Chimnechild of Burgundy on Yes, date unknown. Chimnechild (daughter of Bodilon de Trèves, Count of Tréves and Saint Sigrade de Verdun) was born about 625 in Burgundy, France; died about 670 in Austrasia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]