Is forcing someone to take vows as a monk or nun valid?

[JacobHarrison]

In a previous post, I was trying to trace who the rightful heir to the throne of England is.

I realized that William the Conqueror was not an Aetheling so his conquest of 1066 was an usurpation. Therefore I am now tracing the descendants of Harold Godwinson. One of them was the Ukrainian ruler Roman the Great.

But to trace further heirs, I need to figure out which children of Roman are legitimate. He annulled his first marriage and got a new wife by forcing his wife to take a monastic tonsure, which was forcing her to become a nun which automatically annulled the marriage. I think Roman was Eastern Orthodox though I am not sure.

Under Catholic doctrine, is becoming a nun under duress valid or not? Does that make the annulment valid? Did this happen as form of annulment in Medieval Catholic Western Europe? I am trying to determine whether the children of his first or second marriage are legitimate to therefore find the rightful heir.

 

[otrrl]

there used to be a youtube video on this subject. it may still be out there.

I don’t think that forcing someone to take vows is valid. You’re asking a question way over most of our heads. You probably know more than anybody here. This subject must have been researched in the UK.

I don’t know if there is a UK branch of youtube. There must be tonnes of books on the monarchy.

 

[JacobHarrison]

I now know due to the replies here that forced vows is not valid under the Catholic Church. I know from historical research that it was a form of annulment done in Eastern Europe and Russia as shown in the example of Roman the Great.

 

[dochawk]

I realized that William the Conqueror was not an Aetheling so his conquest of 1066 was an usurpation.

Even at the time, some reason was required. He claimed an agreement for the prior king to leave him the crown. When that didn’t happen, he sought to claim it. That’s right of conquest, and not a usurpation. Trial by arms resolved the question of right.

Under Catholic doctrine, is becoming a nun under duress valid or not?

If she either has a claim to a royal or noble throne, or if her children would, the convent was an alternative to death. Same for a male heir.

Also, a claim to sanctuary required the claimant to either take vows or leave through the front door within thirty days.

hawk

 

[Lee1]

I think the encumbant Queen is the rightful heir, great minds have determined this to be so, and I’m fine with it too.

Perhaps I misunderstand.