Louis XIV's Mistresses

History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday・2 minutes read

Louis XIV ruled France with charisma, had numerous mistresses, including Olympia and Francoise Athenais, who bore him children, faced scandal, but held significant power in court. Isabel, a maid of honor, engaged in an affair with the King, was sent away, returned for a pension due to debts, and lived unmarried until old age.

Insights

  • Louis XIV, known for his charisma and numerous mistresses, had a complex romantic life with key figures like Francoise Athenais, Marquis De Montespan, who bore him seven children and faced scandal.
  • The intricate web of relationships around Louis XIV involved figures like Isabel, who boldly pursued the King, faced exile, and lived unmarried until old age, showcasing the intrigue and consequences of courtly affairs during that era.

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Recent questions

  • Who were Louis XIV's main mistresses?

    Catherine Bellier, Louise de La Valliere, Francoise Athenais

  • What scandal was Marie Madeline d'Ombre involved in?

    Poisoning her family

  • Who was Isabel and what was her relationship with King Louis XIV?

    Maid of honor, had an affair with him

  • What was Francoise Athenais known for?

    Official mistress of Louis XIV

  • What was the fate of Angelique, a woman associated with King Louis XIV?

    Died at 19 in a convent

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Summary

00:00

Louis XIV's Charismatic Rule and Scandalous Mistresses

  • Louis XIV, King of France from 1638 to 1715, ruled over Versailles with charisma and had numerous mistresses.
  • Louis XIV wore high heels and wigs, emphasizing his virility and had emotional devotion to three main mistresses.
  • Catherine Bellier, Mistress of the Bedchamber, deflowered Louis XIV as a teenager to prevent any sexual dysfunction.
  • Louise de La Valliere, a maid of honor, became Louis XIV's mistress, but their relationship faced challenges.
  • Olympia, another mistress, tried to win Louis XIV's affections but remained in love with Louise de La Valliere.
  • Marie Madeline d'Ombre was involved in a scandal of poisoning her family, leading to suspicion and a witch hunt.
  • Born to a Huguenot family, Bonn converted to Catholicism, had a brief affair with Louis XIV, and married the Marquis De Decor.
  • Katarine Charlotte Doucet de Ramon, from an aristocratic family, had affairs, was exiled from court, and died at 39.
  • Gabrielle de Rochechouart de Mortemart supported her sister, Francoise Athenais, who became Louis XIV's official mistress.
  • Francoise Athenais, Marquis De Montespan, became Louis XIV's mistress, had seven children with him, faced scandal, and died at 66.

18:21

Royal Court Affairs and Scandals in France

  • Isabel, a maid of honor to Princess Henrietta, later served Queen Maria Theresa, attracting many men at court but rejecting them until she began an affair with King Louis after he fought with Madame de Montespan.
  • Isabel's boldness led to her being sent away by the King, refusing a pension initially but later returning for it due to mounting debts, living unmarried until the age of 79.
  • Claude, a lady's companion to Madame de Montespan, bore a child by the King, rumored to have been involved in the affair of the poisons, and was banished from court but lived comfortably in Paris.
  • Angelique, described as lovely but foolish, captivated King Louis, bore a stillborn son, was made a Duchess, and died at 19 in a convent after giving birth to a second stillborn child.
  • Francoise, a governess to Madame de Montespan's children, became Marquis De Montespan after the affair of the poisons, was rewarded by the King, and eventually married him in a secret ceremony, becoming a significant political figure in France until her death at 83.
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