Andronikos IV Palaiologos [SEP] mother
through the cession of Gallipoli by Andronikos.
Life.
Born on 11 April 1348, Andronikos IV Palaiologos was the eldest son of Emperor John V Palaiologos by his wife Helena Kantakouzene. Already in 1352 he was associated as co-emperor with his father, and when John V left for Italy in 1369 to affirm his submission to the Pope, John left Andronikos behind in Constantinople as regent, while his younger son Manuel II Palaiologos was sent to govern Thessalonica. 
During his stay in Italy, John attempted to settle
Andronikos IV Palaiologos.
Marriage.
Irene married John Kantakouzenos, a son of Michael Kantakouzenos and Theodora Angelina Palaiologina. In his "History", John records his mother being a kinswoman of Andronikos II Palaiologos, presumably a cousin by one of the siblings of Michael VIII. The marriage produced six children:
- Matthew Kantakouzenos (c. 1325 – 24 June 1383), co-emperor 1353–1357, later "despotēs" in Morea.
- Manuel Kantakouzenos (c. 1326 – 10 April 1380), "despotēs"