Henrietta Stuart Duchess of Orleans, youngest daughter of Charles I Stuart and Henrietta Maria of France Date of Birth: 26.06.1644 Country: Great Britain

1. Princess Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orleans
2. Life and Marriage in France
3. The Treaty of Dover
4. Death and Burial
5. Legacy

Princess Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orleans

Henrietta, the youngest daughter of King Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France, was born on June 16, 1644, amidst the English Civil War. As a two-year-old, she was whisked out of England by her governess and brought to the court of her cousin, Louis XIV of France, where she became known as "Minette" ("kitten" in French). Upon her marriage to the king's brother, Philip of France, she was titled as "Madame" at court.

Life and Marriage in France

At the French court, Henrietta's influence caused tensions with her husband. She played a significant role in negotiating the Treaty of Dover. Shortly after its signing and her return to France, Henrietta suffered a sudden death. The circumstances raised suspicions of poisoning, although the official cause was gastroenteritis.

The Treaty of Dover

Henrietta's brother, King Charles II, was keen on closer ties with France. In 1670, Henrietta traveled to Dover and played a crucial diplomatic role, convincing her brother to break the Triple Alliance and assist Louis XIV in conquering the Dutch Republic. Her mission was a success, facilitated by her close bond with Charles and the influence of her lady-in-waiting, Louise de Kéroualle.

Death and Burial

In 1670, Henrietta experienced severe pain in her side. On June 29, she ingested a glass of chicory water with ice, after which she exclaimed that she felt poisoned. The royal family rushed to her bedside and Bishop Bossuet administered the last rites. Henrietta passed away early the next morning. Many courtiers suspected Chevalier de Lorraine and Marquis d'Effiat of foul play.

An autopsy was conducted, which attributed her death to "a cholera morbus (gastroenteritis) caused by overheated bile." However, many remained unconvinced. Henrietta was interred in the royal basilica of Saint-Denis on July 4, with a second service held on July 21.

Legacy

Henrietta's descendants became the senior line of the House of Stuart after the extinction of its male line in 1807. However, they were excluded from the English and Scottish thrones due to their Catholic affiliation. Henrietta's intelligence and literary pursuits earned her the reputation of an erudite princess. She corresponded with Molière, Racine, La Fontaine, and others. Her passion for gardening and art led to the creation of a water garden at the Palais-Royal and a collection of paintings, including works by Van Dyck and Correggio.