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Themaîtresse-en-titre (French:[mɛtʁɛsɑ̃titʁ]) was the officialroyal mistress of theKing of France.[1] The title was vaguely defined and used in theMiddle Ages but finally became an acknowledged, if informal, position during the reign ofHenry IV (r. 1589–1610), and continued through the reign ofLouis XV (r. 1715–1774). It was a semi-official position which came with its own apartments, estates and atitle if the woman did not have any.[2]
Some individuals having this position acquired significant power and more influence than theQueen of France, as some mistresses were known to advise the King of France in state affairs if he was so infatuated, broker favors for clients, elevate others insocial mobility, forge alliances and negotiate with foreign diplomats.[3]
In contrast, the titlePetite maîtresse was the title of a mistress who was not officially acknowledged.
While the king may have had many mistresses, there was normally only one officialMaîtresse-en-titre. Below are examples of those with this position. For a full list of all the mistresses of a French king, regardless of their position as official or not, please seeList of French royal mistresses.
Charles V of France (1338 – 1380)
Charles VI of France (1368 – 1422)
Charles VII of France (1403 – 1461)
Louis XI of France (1423 – 1483)
Francis I of France (1494 – 1547)
Henry II of France (1519 – 1559)
Henry III of France (1551 – 1589)
Henry IV of France (1553 – 1610)
Louis XIV of France (1638 – 1715)
Louis XV of France (1710 – 1774)
Louis XVIII of France (1755 – 1824)