The Mistresses of Kings Trivia Quiz

Answer: 19 years

Jeanne-Antoinette d'Etioles became King Louis XV's mistress in 1745 when she was twenty-four years of age. There she remained for nineteen years taking care of the king and France dying in great pain at the age of 43.

Answer: Madame du Barry

Du Barry was known as a very upscale Parisian prostitute, and the King got her to become his mistress in 1768. She preferred jewelry and expensive gowns to collecting estates like Pompadour. After the King died of smallpox du Barry was rich from her time as mistress of Louis XV. Following the King's death du Barry was placed in a convent where she helped with chores, was never late for prayers and within weeks of her incarceration she wrapped the nuns around her finger.

In 1789 the Bastille fell, and during the Reign of Terror Louis XVI and du Barry were executed, along with thousands of others.

Answer: Henry IV of France

Henry IV was known to have fifty-six mistresses. In addition to providing her royal lover with comforts, Gabrielle offered him fierce loyalty. She had three children by Henry and was expecting a fourth at the time of her expected wedding to the King. Then, four months before the child was to be born, Gabrielle went into labor, and both the child and Gabrielle died.

Answer: Barbara Lady Castlemaine

Queen Catherine of Braganza married Charles in Portsmouth but he spent the night not with Catherine but with Lady Castlemaine, whom Catherine already detested. Charles badgered her and sent away her friends until she accepted Castlemaine as 'First Lady of the Bedchamber'. Catherine accepted this eventually but still hated her.

Answer: Catherine of Aragon, Anne of Cleves & Catherine Parr

1st wife - Catherine of Aragon, with Anne Boleyn as his mistress.
2nd wife - Anne Boleyn, with Jane Seymour as his mistress.
3rd wife - Jane Seymour (no mistress).
4th wife - Anne of Cleves, with Catherine Howard as his mistress.
5th Wife - Catherine Howard (no mistress).
6th Wife - Catherine Parr (no mistress).
Henry apparently never cheated on Jane Seymour, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr and he never married Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount. Bessie is the mother of Henry's only acknowledged illegitimate child Henry Fitzroy who was born during his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Answer: Rosamund Clifford

It was never proved that Eleanor murdered Rosamund, but there were all kinds of rumors about poisoning, stabbing and drowning.

Answer: Louis XIV

Francoise-Athenais de Montespan was the mistress of King Louis XIV of France from 1667 till 1681. Her 'reign' as Maîtresse-en-titre ended in scandal when it was found out that Montespan used black magic (!) against Louis in order to keep him. He never ate or drank anything she offered again.

Answer: Dorothea Jordan

Her given name was Dorothea Bland but she used Mrs. Jordan as a stage name and, together with William, she had ten illegitimate children. She already had four children prior to her relationship with William. She loaned William money, which never repaid. As soon as it became apparent William needed to marry he dumped her and married Princess Adelaide.

Answer: They are descendants of Charles II

SARAH is a descendant of Charles II via his relationship with Lucy Walter. Their only child James Duke of Monmouth.
CAMILLA and DIANA are both descendants of Charles II via his illegitimate son Charles Duke of Lennox and Richmond. He is the only child by Louise de Kérouaille.

Answer: Madame du Barry

Jeanne Becu Comtesse du Barry began her career as a Parisian prostitute and quickly became King Louis XV's mistress. Marie-Antoinette the wife of Louis' grandson and heir hated her and never spoke to her. As the king lay on his deathbed he banished her from court so he could receive absolution without her presence.