Louise de La Valière enters a convent…

Louise de la Valière was the first official favourite of Louis XIV. So far, there is nothing exceptional about that, Kings of France are known to have enjoyed the company of ladies! What's really interesting about this affair is how it actually got started.

At first, Louise entered the entourage of the King as the maid of honour of Princess Henrietta Anne of England who married Louis' younger brother. Often back then, marriages were arranged and had nothing to do with love and on top of that, the King's brother kind of preferred men.

Princess Henrietta was neglected by her husband. Sparks flew between her and King Louis but there was a problem: he was her brother in law! To avoid a scandal, a smokescreen affair was invented between the King and the maid of honour... The smokescreen worked so well, sparks flew again and a real affair started between the King and the maid of honour!

Louise de la Vallière will bear five children from King Louis. Ultimately, she will ask forgiveness from the Queen and enter a convent while the King will find solace in other ladies' arms... You know that song? "It's good to be the King!"