Irene of Brunswick

Irene of Brunswick, born Adelheid, (Greek: Ειρήνη; c. 1293 – 16/17 August 1324) was the first wife of Andronikos III Palaiologos,[1] and by marriage Byzantine empress, although she died before her husband became senior emperor.

He was the eldest son of Michael IX Palaiologos and Rita of Armenia.

Her father-in-law was at the time junior co-emperor with his own father, Andronikos II Palaiologos.

She joined the Eastern Orthodox Church with her marriage and took the name Irene.

Her husband claimed the throne for its duration, making her the empress to a rival emperor.