Virtual Museum of Protestantism
Among the numerous mistresses of the “Green Gallant”, two were of particular significance to him.
One was Françoise de Montmorency, born in 1566, known as la belle Fosseuse. She was the daughter of Pierre de Montmorency, Baron of Fosseux. A lady-in-waiting to Marguerite de Valois, she became the mistress of the King of Navarre.
The other was Gabrielle d’Estrées (1573–1599), the acknowledged principal mistress of Henry IV. The King had intended to marry her when she died in childbirth. She left him three legitimised children.
