Anne of Austria

Also known as: Madame / Queen Anne of Austria / his mother / queen-mother / the queen / the queen of France / the queen-mother · Family: French monarchy · Role: queen mother · First appears: Chapter 8

In chapter 8, Anne of Austria was the mother of Louis XIV, whose anger rose when he found chairs of equal height prepared for himself, his mother, Mazarin, and his uncle and aunt. Mazarin had taken her regency from her, though he could not take away his poor appetite; by chapter 12, Louis XIV reportedly threw himself at his mother’s feet to ask permission to marry an Italian woman, prompting a Roman consultation.

In 1648, Athos identified himself as the Comte de la Fere after Anne of Austria had given him the cordon of the Holy Ghost. She held the cards against Mazarin, and at Sedan her compromising letter was carried by Colbert to Mazarin, who was ordered to return it to Michel Letellier and was eventually obliged to give it up. Anne of Austria hated Richelieu and loved Buckingham; she also employed Athos, whom Mazarin recognized as an ancient servant of hers.

Later, Anne of Austria reprimanded Philip, Duc d’Anjou, while he received it with good grace and smiled first at Louis XIV and then at his mother. She taught Louis XIV an axiom that helped him understand when Mazarin was very ill, and when Mazarin was dying, she showed him sorrow as a wife according to some and as a sovereign according to others. D’Artagnan said she owed him a recompense for what he had done for her.

Relationship record

Life events

• The king reportedly begged permission to marry an Italian woman, prompting a Roman consultation.(Chapter12)
  • With: Charles II
  • “They say he threw himself at his mother’s feet, to beg her to allow him to marry her.”
• Athos identifies himself as the Comte de la Fere and reveals his royal honors.(Chapter24)
  • With: Athos Charles I
  • “‘I am called the Comte de la Fere, monsieur,’ said Athos, bowing.”
• Colbert carried Anne of Austria’s compromising letter to Mazarin and was ordered to return it to Letellier.(Chapter44 · 📍 Sedan)
  • With: Colbert Mazarin Michel Letellier
  • “Colbert was commanded to set out for Sedan, with positive orders to carry the letter to Mazarin, and bring it back to Letellier.”
• Mazarin was forced to return Anne of Austria’s letter to Colbert.(Chapter44)
  • With: Mazarin Colbert
  • “Mazarin could hold out no longer, and was obliged to give it up.”