Hugh Despenser was a political predator.
He had known Edward since his teens, but unlike Gaveston,
Despenser doesn't seem to have been the King's lover.
But this was small comfort to Isabella.
While she was still loyally performing her royal duty
by giving birth to two more children,
she watched as Despenser set about using his influence with the King
to build up his own wealth and power to dizzying heights
no matter how illegal his methods, or who stood in his way.
By 1321 the lords had had enough.
They marched on London
and threatened violence against Edward and his new favourite.
In the attempt to prevent Civil War
Isabella took action to support her husband in the way only a Queen could.