Editing Joan of Kent (section)

==Transition to Dowager Princess of Wales==
By 1371, the Black Prince was no longer able to perform his duties as Prince of Aquitaine due to poor health, thus he and Joan returned to England shortly after burying their elder son. In 1372, the Black Prince forced himself to attempt one final, abortive campaign in the hope of saving his father's French possessions, but the exertion completely shattered his health. He returned to England for the last time on 7 June 1376, a week before his forty-sixth birthday, and died in his bed at the [[Palace of Westminster]] the next day.

Joan's son Prince Richard was now next in line to succeed his grandfather Edward III, who died on 21 June 1377. Richard was crowned as Richard II the following month at the age of 10. Early in his reign, the young King faced the challenge of the [[Peasants' Revolt]]. The [[Lollard]]s, religious reformers led by [[John Wyclif]], had enjoyed Joan's support, but the violent climax of the popular movement for reform reduced the feisty Joan to a state of terror, while leaving the king with an improved reputation.{{Citation needed|date=August 2007}}

As the king's mother, Joan exercised much influence behind the scenes and was recognised for her contributions during the early years of her son's reign. She also enjoyed a certain respect among the people as a venerable royal dowager. For example, on her return to London from a pilgrimage to [[Thomas Becket]]'s shrine at [[Canterbury Cathedral]] in 1381, she found her way barred by [[Wat Tyler]] and his mob of rebels on [[Blackheath, London|Blackheath]]. Not only was she let through unharmed, but she was saluted with kisses and provided with an escort for the rest of her journey.

In January 1382, Richard II married [[Anne of Bohemia]], daughter of [[Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor]] and King of Bohemia.