Madame

Also known as: Henrietta / Henrietta of England / Madame Henrietta / Madame Henriette / Mademoiselle Henrietta / her royal highness / his sister-in-law / his wife / princess / queen of England / the king’s august sister-in-law / the king’s sister-in-law / the mother / the princess / the young lady / the young princess / the young queen / the young woman / young princess / your wife · Family: French royalty · Role: princess and bride · First appears: Chapter 7

Madame’s courtship with Monsieur began with admiration for her portrait, and she became his charming bride. In chapter 10, Buckingham was ordered to precede her ashore, while Duke of Norfolk and Duke of Orleans were connected to the attention surrounding her; at Nanterre, Duke of Orleans joined the procession to receive his affianced bride. Madame and her mother returned to the Louvre, and four days after her marriage, Monsieur accused Buckingham of loving and pursuing her. By chapter 11, De Guiche’s secret love appeared in his nighttime vigil outside her apartment, while Madame’s heart was described as besieged and her husband as threatened.

At court, Madame was recognized by Louis XIV and drew the attention of several admirers. Her conversations with De Guiche developed into a deep attachment; Monsieur’s arrival disrupted one of her gatherings, and he later discovered De Guiche concealed in her apartments while dancing was underway. Madame returned De Guiche’s passionate gaze, while Buckingham remained an agreeable visitor and De Guiche a friend who amused her. At Fontainebleau, she rapidly gained great influence over Louis XIV, while Monsieur fell from second to third place in the kingdom. Amid Monsieur’s suspicions and Maria Theresa’s jealousy, Madame told Louis XIV, “I regard you as a brother, and nothing more,” then agreed with him to present Mademoiselle de Vallière as his apparent love interest.

The arrangement became difficult to maintain as Louis XIV’s affection for La Vallière developed. Madame directed Montalais, Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, and La Vallière in their account of the royal-oak episode, and later overheard De Guiche confessing his love. She told him she had heard every syllable and accepted his devotion: “Love me, then,” said the princess, “since it cannot be otherwise.” When De Guiche returned from exile, Madame extended her hand to him at Monsieur’s request; she also remained connected to La Vallière through her household and to Therese through friendship.