The maîtresse-en-titre (French: [mɛtʁɛs ɑ̃ titʁ]) was the official royal mistress of the King of France.[1] The title was vaguely defined and used in the Middle Ages but finally became an acknowledged, if informal, position during the reign of Henry IV (r. 1589–1610), and continued through the reign of Louis XV (r. 1715–1774). It was a semi-official position which came with its own apartments, estates and a title if the woman did not have any.[2]
Some individuals having this position acquired significant power and more influence than the Queen of France, as some mistresses were known to advise the King of France in state affairs if he was so infatuated, broker favors for clients, elevate others in social mobility, forge alliances and negotiate with foreign diplomats.[3]
In contrast, the title petite maîtresse was the title of a mistress who was not officially acknowledged.
I can't find the exact citation now, but apparently one of Madame du Barry's jobs as Louis XV's official mistress was arranging his assignations, and she was blamed for his death since he got smallpox from a prostitute she hired for him
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