[1] After Edward's death, she served as regent in 1438-1440 for her son Afonso V.[2] She was the daughter of Ferdinand I of Aragon and Eleanor of Alburquerque.

Eleanor's brother, Alfonso V of Aragon, arranged her marriage to the future King Edward of Portugal, which happened on 22 September 1428.

[6] However, as a woman and a foreigner, she was unpopular with the people, who preferred the late king's brother Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra.

Eleanor was at first prepared to divide the regency between herself and Peter, but the interference of the Count of Barcelos and other nobles that sided with her complicated matters and she was ultimately dissuaded.

Eleanor's poor health and grief from losing her daughter caused her to withdraw from state affairs, further enraging the people.