Richard III (1001–1027) was the eldest son of Richard II, who died in 1027. Richard's short reign lasted less than a year. It opened with a revolt by his brother and finished in his death by unknown causes.

Life
Before succeeding his father, Richard II, perhaps about 1020, he had been sent by his father in command of a large army, to attack bishop/count Hugh of Chalon in order to rescue his brother-in-law, Reginald, later Count of Burgundy, whom the count/bishop had captured and imprisoned.

When Richard II died in August of 1026, as the eldest son Richard III became Duke of Normandy. Shortly after his reign began his brother Robert, discontented with his provence of Hyemes on the border of Normandy, revolted against his brother. 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, he died suddenly (some say suspiciously). The duchy passed to his younger brother Robert I.

Marriage
In January of 1027 he was married to Adela a younger daughter of Robert II of France and Constance of Arles. After Richard's death 6 August, 1027,Adela secondly married Baldwin V, Count of Flanders.