Diane de Poitiers
French mistress of Henry II of France
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About Diane de Poitiers
Diane de Poitiers was one of the most influential and powerful French noblewomen of the 16th century. She was the adviser and royal mistress of King Henry II throughout his reign and extensively utilized her position to influence the designs and architecture of the “French Renaissance.”
Early Life
Chateau de Saint-Vallier, Drome, was her birthplace. During her youth, she was an avid athlete who maintained good physical shape by routinely swimming and riding horses. She also stayed briefly in Princess Anne de Beaujeu’s entourage and received Renaissance humanist education.
Royal Mistress
Shortly after her spouse, Louis de Breze, died in 1531, she became the lover of Prince Henry II, who was 20 years younger than her, and the Duc d’Orléans at the time.
Throughout the reign of Prince Henry II, Catherine de Médicis, the genuine monarch, was compelled to live in relative obscurity. At the same time, Diane, Henry’s mistress, presided over the court as France’s Queen in everything but name. Diane used her capacity to increase her family’s fortune and complete many projects, including remodeling the “Chateau d’Anet” and claiming ownership.
However, following Henry’s death, Queen Catherine compelled her to take Chaumont’s fortress-like Château in exchange for the beautiful “Château de Chenonceau” and return all the King’s royal jewels given to her.
Death
She died at age 65 on April 25, 1566, after she suffered from a horse-riding accident.
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F.A.Q. about Diane de Poitiers
When is her birthday?
Diane de Poitiers' birthday is on September 3, 1499.
In how many days is her birthday?
Diane de Poitiers' birthday is in 166 days
How old was Diane de Poitiers when she died?
She was 66 years old.
When did she die?
She died in April 25, 1566.
Where was Diane de Poitiers from?
She was born in Château de Saint-Vallier, Saint-Vallier, Drôme, Italy.