Royal Mistresses Trivia Quiz

Answer: Diane de Poitiers

Diane de Poitiers became Henry's longest serving mistress and stayed with him until his death. She dressed only in black and white, and although she was 20 years older than Henry, he was devoted to her. It is said that to preserve her youthful looks, she drank liquid gold. There was a belief in those days in gold as an elixir of youth.

Answer: Mary Boleyn

Henry VIII first had an affair with Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn who later became Henry's second wife.

Answer: Rosamund Clifford

Rosamund, often called 'Fair Rosamund' and even 'The Rose of the World', was the favored mistress of Henry. His wife Eleanor of Aquitaine is rumored to have had her killed.

Answer: Athenais de Montespan

It is interesting to note that being a royal mistress was often viewed as an honor for ambitious families. Being named 'Maitresse en Titre' as De Montespan was, was a singular honor, being number one of all mistresses.

Answer: All of them

Charles II came to the throne after his father Charles I was put to death by Oliver Cromwell's men. When Oliver Cromwell was succeeded by much less capable son, Richard, Charles II was invited back to England to rule, it was called the Restoration (of the Monarchy).

It is often thought of as a period of easy- going licentiousness after the stern attempts of the Puritans to turn England into a 'godly republic'. He had many mistresses, but produced no legitimate heir to the throne, which his brother James inherited.

Answer: Jeanne-Antoinette Pompadour

Her family name was Poisson, which means 'fish' in English. She became quite powerful during his reign. The Pompadour hairstyle was named after her and the pink of Sèvres porcelain is named 'Rose de Pompadour'.

Answer: Alice Perrers

She was known as Lady of the Sun. Greedy and given to dabbling in the black arts, she was known to go about in the dead Queen Philippa's robes and jewellery.

Answer: Arabella Churchill

Her father was named Winston Churchill and a direct ancestor of the Prime Minister Winston Churchill. James II was the brother of Charles II.

Answer: Eliza Rosanna Gilbert

Gilbert was better known by her stage name Lola Montez. She was a dancer and led an extraordinary life, even dancing in the US.

Answer: Jane Shore

She was a beauty and was called 'The Rose of London'. She was imprisoned by Richard III for what he believed was conspiracy, but later she was released and married, and by all accounts remained a good wife.