Princesses of the ancien regime faced harsh realities that differ significantly from modern depictions. They often entered arranged marriages in their early teens to much older men, leading to limited personal freedom. Many died young due to childbirth complications, and their roles were primarily reproductive, akin to brood mares. They were frequently sidelined in court by the king's mistresses, affecting their social standing. The experience of entering convents was also common, sometimes reluctantly. These historical truths provide a needed perspective on the romanticized view of princesses in today’s media.
Most princesses of the ancien regime didn't have great lives. They could expect arranged dynastic marriages in their early teens, often to much older men they had never met.
Giving birth was often a public spectacle, ensuring that the legitimate heir was not substituted. Many princesses suffered early deaths in childbirth, with notable examples being Isabel de Valois and Jane Seymour.
The life of a princess often included being sidelined at court due to the king's chosen mistress. Most had little or no autonomy and were viewed primarily as brood mares.
While there were exceptions among princesses, the overall reality was often grim, with many women having to enter convents, sometimes against their will.
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