After the death of Matthias in 1176, he was succeeded by his son with Bertha, Simon, as duke of Lorraine. Due to the weak health of her son, Bertha took power as regent and issued documents which she co-signed with her son. Jasperse, 'To Have and to Hold,'pp. 94-5. Because her son was an adult, her regency was considered illegal and widely opposed by the nobility, and resulted in her excommunication. She was forced to resign from her political position and perform penitence before the Bishop pf Metz.
