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History Fact 11/100 - Madame du Berry

Jeanne Bécu, comtesse du Berry, is most commonly remembered as the mistress of King Louis XV of France.

Jeanne lived at a convent until the age of fifteen, then earned a living selling trinkets along the streets of Paris. She came to the attention of a procurer by the name of Jean Baptiste du Barry, and held many aristocratic clients.

She was noticed by King Louis when she visited the Versailles on an errand. He fabricated a birth certificate, stating that she was from noble descent, and designated her his mistress. She was presented to the Court of Versailles in 1769, amid much gossip. The King lavished his mistress in jewelry and fine fashions, causing much resentment in the court.

Marie Antoinette refused to speak to Madame du Berry for some time, disapproving of her common background. Eventually, after intervention by the Austrian ambassador, the dauphine was convinced to speak a few words to the king’s mistress.