[6] In 923, Count Herbert took the bold step of imprisoning King Charles III, who died still a captive in 929.

[a][4] Then, on the death of Seulf in 925, with the help of King Rudolph, he acquired for his second son Hugh (then five years old) the archbishopric of Rheims.

[3] Using the threat of releasing King Charles III, whom he held captive, Herbert managed to hold the city for four more years.

[3] The same year the king entered Rheims and defeated archbishop Hugh, the son of Herbert.

[11] The intervention of his ally, Henry the Fowler, allowed him to restore his domains (except Rheims and Laon) in exchange for his submission to King Rudolph.

Herbert II died on 23 February 943 at Saint-Quentin, Aisne (the capital of the county of Vermandois) from natural causes.