Editing Henry the Young King (section)

== Appearance and character ==
{{Commons category|Henry the Young King}}

The physical appearance of Henry at his coronation in 1170 is given in a contemporary court poem written in Latin. It describes the fifteen-year-old prince as being very handsome, "tall but well proportioned, broad-shouldered with a long and elegant neck, pale and freckled skin, bright and wide blue eyes, and a thick mop of reddish-gold hair".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Crouch |first=David |title=Tournament |date=2006 |isbn=978-1852855314 |volume=4 |pages=21–22 |publisher=A&C Black}}</ref>

Henry and Richard were "both tall in stature, rather above the middle size, and of commanding aspect. In courage and magnanimity, they were nearly equal; but in the character of their virtues, there was great disparity... [Henry] was admirable for gentleness and liberality... had a commendable suavity... commended for his easy temper... remarkable for his clemency... the vile and undeserving found their refuge in [Henry]... was the shield of bad men... was bent on martial sports... bestowed his favours on foreigners... [Henry's] ambition magnanimously compassed the world."<ref>''[[Topographia Hibernica]]'' by Gerald of Wales</ref>

Another description says "He was tall in stature and distinguished in appearance; his face expressed merriment and mature judgment in good measure; fair among the children of men, he was courteous and cheerful. Gracious to all, he was loved by all; amiable to all, he was incapable of making an enemy. He was matchless in warfare, and as he outstripped them all in valour, cordiality, and the outstanding graciousness of his manners, his true generosity, and true integrity..."<ref>Otia Imperialia of Gervase of Tilbury (c. 1145–c. 1225)</ref>