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Mistresses

The beauties, harlots and seductresses who vied for power from the royal bedchamber

Written by Nicola Tallis
hen a king succeeded to his were often expected to entertain their royal lovers Many mistresses came to exert an alarming
title, he not only inherited the and provide good company. amount of influence over their royal lovers, and
throne, but all of the trappings of Mistresses were frequently a cause of fascination sought not only their own advancement but also
W royalty that came with it: jewels, to a king’s court and subjects, and often triggered sometimes dabbled in politics. Unsurprisingly,
palaces, money and servants to name but a few. It as much interest as the king themselves. While this often led to resentment and jealousy both at
also became almost traditional for a king to have some shied away from this attention and did not court and between mistresses, and many were
something else: a mistress. In many instances the seek any form of preferment, the majority actively unpopular. In order to counteract a mistress’s hold
king would take more than one mistress, and the encouraged this and flaunted themselves publicly. over a king, alternative candidates for his affection
women selected to join the king in his bedchamber Moreover, mistresses often took full advantage might be pushed forward in the hope of catching
would be chosen for a variety of reasons, and of their position in order to promote their own his eye. Whether loved or loathed, throughout
because they fulfilled certain criteria desirable to interests, and those of their family and friends. If history mistresses have proven to be just as great
the king. Satisfying a king’s sexual desires was only they were pleasing to the king, the rewards could a talking point as kings and queens. Here are the
part of the equation and, in addition, mistresses be great – and life-changing. stories of some of the most memorable.
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