Around 1026, Richard was sent by his father in command of a large army to rescue his brother-in-law, Reginald, later Count of Burgundy, by attacking bishop and count Hugh of Chalon, who had captured and imprisoned Reginald in Chalon-sur-Saône.

He laid siege to the town of Falaise, but was soon brought to heel by Richard who captured him, then released him on his oath of fealty.

No sooner had Richard disbanded his army and returned to Rouen, when he died suddenly (some say suspiciously).

The duchy passed to his younger brother Robert I.

She is usually identified with Adela, a younger daughter of King Robert II of France, who married to Baldwin V, Count of Flanders after Richard's 6 August 1027 death.