Minette: The Life and Letters of a Stuart Princess

Small exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery looking at the life of Princess Henrietta Anne, the youngest daughter of Charles I and a great ally of her brother Charles II.

She was smuggled out of England during the Civil War and raised at the French court, marrying Louis XIV’s younger brother, the gay Earl of Orleans. Sadly she died aged just 26 but did use her political position to help Charles II.

The main picture in the show was by Jean Nocret of her in a stunning blue dress. There were also examples of the letters between herself and her brother full of court life and gossip. This was a fascinating look at a forgotten, short life which was very significant at the time.

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