Herbert II of Vermandois Uses Charles the Simple as a Political Pawn (925–927)

By 925, Herbert II of Vermandois, one of the most powerful nobles in West Francia, strategically leverages his captive, the deposed King Charles the Simple, to secure greater political power. Though he had initially supported King Rudolph of Burgundy, Herbert shifts his allegiance when it suits his ambitions, effectively blackmailing the monarchy to gain key titles for his sons.

The Manipulation of Charles the Simple

• Since 923, Herbert II had held Charles the Simple prisoner, using his status as a deposed Carolingian king as a bargaining chip in Frankish politics.
• Instead of remaining a loyal partisan of King Rudolph, Herbert negotiates for his own benefit, demanding territorial and ecclesiastical concessions in exchange for not using Charles as a rallying figure against Rudolph.

The Archbishopric of Reims for Hugh (925)

• In 925, Herbert secures the powerful Archbishopric of Reims for his son Hugh, a prestigious position that grants him control over one of the most important ecclesiastical centers in West Francia.
• The Archbishop of Reims traditionally plays a key role in royal coronations, giving Herbert’s family greater influence over future kingship decisions.
• This move also allows Herbert to extend his political dominance in northern Francia, as Reims was a key center of Carolingian legitimacy.