On May 18, 1152, Eleanor married Henry, Duke of Normandy.
On May 18, 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry, Duke of Normandy (later Henry II), in Poitiers. This marriage not only aligned Eleanor with one of Europe's most powerful and ambitious figures but also laid the foundation for the Angevin Empire. As a result, Eleanor became Duchess of Normandy and Countess of Anjou, reinforcing her political stature across England and France. This union would drastically affect European power dynamics, eventually placing her in a position where she would become Queen of England. Eleanor's strategic marital choice was pivotal in shaping the Anglo-French relations of her time, reflecting her influential presence in the political arena.