Editing Eleanor of Aquitaine (section)

==== Normandy and the struggle for power (1191–1192) ====

Once Eleanor reached Rouen, where she arrived on 24 June 1191, she was able to direct affairs in England better,{{sfn|Weir|2012|p=268}} although she spent the winter of 1191–1192 in France.{{sfn|Turner|2009|loc=cap 10}} Eleanor's new role softened the criticisms she had accumulated. As regent, she demonstrated the qualities of a benevolent and statesmanlike ruler, with Richard of Devizes describing her as "incomparable"{{efn|''Regina Alienor, femina incomparibilis''{{sfn|Devizes|1838|p=25}}}} and she began using the phrase ''teste me ipsa'' (as my own witness) on official documents.{{sfn|Turner|2009|loc=cap 10}} In England, while Coutance tried to restore order, Longchamp was eventually deposed and Prince John began to consolidate power, claiming he was the heir presumptive. Coutance was appointed head of a regency council and Longchamp fled to France, attempting unsuccessfully to recruit Eleanor to his cause.{{sfn|Weir|2012|pp=268–271}}{{sfn|Turner|2009|loc=cap 10}} Her position became more complicated with the return of King Philip from the Holy Land in late 1191, who not only attempted to undermine Richard's reputation but demanded the return of Alys, still in Eleanor's care. In early 1192 Philip recruited John to his cause, offering him lands and Alys, prompting Eleanor's return to England on 11 February to prevent John's invasion of Normandy,{{sfn|Weir|2012|pp=273–274}} but she spent much of that year dealing with ecclesiastical disputes and successfully curbing the ambitions of Longchamp and John.{{sfn|Weir|2012|pp=274–276}}{{sfn|Turner|2009|loc=cap 10}}