Behind every authoritative man is a strong and intelligent woman. In the same way, one can say about influential ladies, inspired by love of the opposite sex. Each person has his own object of sighing, no matter what gender he is. And today we recall the most influential and beautiful favorites of imperial figures from around the world.
Russia. "Romanov Romanov"
Peter the First and Mons Anna Ivanovna
Anna is the most influential and adored lover of Peter the Great himself. For her sake, the Russian emperor exiled his wife Evdokia Suzdal to the monastery. The emperor even planned to marry, but she violated this idyll by changing Petra with the Saxon envoy Koenigsek. And so ended the ten-year love affair of the powerful sovereign of a powerful country and an influential lady from a wealthy family. The attachment of the Russian sovereign can be explained, because of the beauty, intelligence and gentleness of the character of Anna Mons, there were legends. It is a pity that devotion was not its most significant quality.
Peter the First and Martha Skvaronskaya (Catherine I)
Marta, the favorite, who became the second wife of Peter the Great and the queen, gave him the legitimate daughter and heiress to the throne, Elizaveta Petrovna. She lost her parents early and was sent to serve in the house of Pastor Ernst Gluck in faraway Livonia. After the conquest of these lands by Peter, Marta, as a captive, came to Moscow. After some time, the emperor himself noticed her. First, Marta became a favorite, after - adored wife and ruling sovereign. They were married in May 1727. Knowing the violent and hot-tempered nature of her husband, Catherine was able to find an approach to him. Affection and gentle touches could stop the attacks of his headache and epileptic seizures. For this, the monarch appreciated and loved her. Ekaterina Alekseevna gave birth to the emperor eleven children, but, unfortunately, except for Anna and Elizabeth, they all died in infancy.
The novels of Catherine II
There are legends about the huge number of favorites of this crazy empress. Each surname in her love list is quite famous and powerful. But we will not list them all. Recall the two power favorites of Catherine the Great, who left a noticeable mark in the history of the Russian state.
In the photo: Grigory Orlov
Grigory Orlov was one of those who supported and implemented the coup in 1762. As a result, a young but very ambitious Catherine ascended the throne. Well, how can one not thank the beautiful and resourceful adjutant general and commander in chief of the ground forces. The plans of the Great Empress were to marry Grishka the robber, as she affectionately called him. But this was not destined to come true. Catherine gave birth to a son Alexei from Orlov, but he was recognized as illegitimate and given to the Bobrinsky family.
In the photo: Grigory Potemkin
Grigory Potemkin (Tauride) is a young and ardent junker chamber, attracting the attention of the loving empress. Full of ideas and passion, he became not only the master of her bedroom, but also the right hand in all public affairs. Under Catherine, he was the most influential man in Russia and began to be called the Prince of Tauride. So, by decree of his Katie, Grigory Potemkin began to expand Ukrainian lands in the southern region, where he created the Tauride region (modern Kherson region). To her favorite, Prince of Tauride, Catherine gave birth to a daughter, Temkin, Elizaveta Grigoryevna. And in 1775 they secretly married.
Pavel I and Ekaterina Nelidova
Ekaterina Nelidova is a young and beautiful pupil of the Smolny Institute of Noble Maidens. She was the maid of honor of Grand Duchess Natalia Alekseevna - the first wife of Paul I, and then Maria Fedorovna - the second wife of the emperor. The graceful, cheerful, well-read young lady easily captivated the inexperienced monarch inexperienced in love affairs. She became a real support, friend and adviser to the unbalanced and insecure emperor. Having a huge influence, she taught him to make bold decisions on a cold head, to be steadfast in front of officials and not to be afraid to express his opinion, not succumbing to another's will. They walked a lot together, laughed, talked, read. She managed to make friends with Pavel’s wife Maria Fedorovna. Together they helped the Grand Duke find peace of mind, peace of mind. But nothing ever lasts. One favorite replaced another - Anna Lopukhina.
Nicholas II and Kshesinskaya Matilda Feliksovna
Nicholas II was very fond of theater, classical music, ballet. It was at the performance “The Nutcracker” that he saw his future favorite, a graceful ballerina named Matilda Kshesinskaya. Their love and mysterious relationship lasted only two years. Then, still a prince and future emperor of Russia, he was forced to marry Alice of Hesse. And so it happened. Some sources insist that for the sake of Matilda, Nicholas was ready to abandon the throne, the bride, written for him, money and position. But the imperious parents of the Romanov dynasty could not allow this and did not allow it. Matilda, having survived this shock, opened a ballet school in Paris. She married the Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich and gave birth to his son Vladimir.
Alexander I and Maria Naryshkina
The grandson of Catherine the Great, Alexander was very smart and handsome, and apparently inherited a passionate character from his grandmother. Despite the fact that he had a very beautiful and kind wife, Alexandra Fedorovna, he was a skilful walker to the left. The number of his novels and the list of names of lovely ladies will surprise anyone. But he truly loved and desired one person. Her name is Maria Antonovna Naryshkina. The wife of Chief Jägermeister Naryshkin from the first minutes turned the head of the Russian emperor. Maria, being married, for a long time pretended not to notice the languid looks and courtship of the sovereign, which aroused even greater passion in him. This relationship lasted two years and ended as abruptly as it began, but left an indelible mark in the hearts of both lovers. Maria did not go into big politics, but lover-sovereign gladly executed small requests and petitions.
Alexander II and Catherine Dolgorukaya
The young and innocent Catherine at first sight captured the heart of the Russian emperor Alexander II. Shyness and modesty distinguished the girl from all maids of honor, and it was simply impossible not to pay attention to her. At first, no one paid special attention to their relationship, because the tsar had sinned in small afflictions before. But the love of Alexander and Catherine every day grew and grew stronger. The girl wholeheartedly loved her ruler, did not ask or demand anything, she loved his company and laughter. After the death of the lawful wife of Maria Fyodorovna, the emperor did not wait long and even during mourning he entered into a morganatic marriage with Dolgoruky. Catherine received the title of Most Serene Princess with the assignment of the name Yurievskaya. The imperial couple had two children, a daughter and a son. Their love lasted 15 years until the death of Alexander II in 1881 from the revolutionaries. The Serene Princess with her children after this event left for France and there mourned for her beloved monarch.
“Emancipated Europe”
Sigismund II August and Barbara Radziwill
Barbara Radziwill was born in a rich and noble Polish family of Radziwill, where the father did not spare money for his daughter's studies. An educated girl immediately found her place in Polish high society, because her beauty delighted and her mind was astounding. There were always many fans around Barbara, and the modest king of Poland Sigismund did not resist. The sovereign mother, Queen Bon Sworets, was against their union and tried her best to prevent this marriage. But, before this obedient, Sigismund opposed his mother, married his beloved favorite and even crowned her. It is a pity, but the happiness did not last long - Barbara died of an unknown disease. The inconsolable king for the rest of his life yearned for his queen.
August II and Countess Kossel
Countess Kossel, at the birth of Anna-Constance von Brockdorf, is a charming lady from a supportive family. In some incomprehensible way, she was able for eight whole years to captivate the heart of the Polish king Augustus II - the famous heartthrob and womanizer. The ambitious Anna called herself the second wife of the king and behaved with the servant as if she were the queen herself, which caused them to dislike herself. The Polish king, in turn, did a lot for the sake of his beloved favorite: he gave her the title of Countess Kossel, built the palace of the Four Seasons as a gift to her. A promise was even signed to marry her after the death of his wife. But, after the feelings had cooled, he easily took away all his words and gifts, and Anna herself was locked in the Stolpen fortress.
Henry II of France and Diana de Poitiers
The first meeting of Henry and Diana occurred when the future king was only seven years old and he was going captive instead of his father Francis. When he returned four years later, he decided to find her, because in his heart this lady left a huge mark. When Henry became king, he called his queen not the lawful wife of Catherine de Medici, but his beloved favorite Diana Poitiers. She influenced all political decisions and, one might say, behind her king, ruled the state. The love of his Diana Henry II carried through his whole life and admired its beauty until the end of days.
By the way, about no less beautiful women, who influenced the course of history, there is an interesting article on most-beauty.ru.
Henry VIII and Anna Boleyn
Anna Boleyn is the brightest and most famous favorite of medieval England and the legal wife of one of the most cruel English kings. Anna managed to marry the king and provide her family with a prosperous future. Giving advice in the bedroom and whispering sweetly to the formidable Tudor in her ear the decisions she needed, she was able to partially lead the country. But, often carried away by the female sex, the ruler suddenly changed his mercy to anger and sent his favorite to the scaffold. So, sincere love cost one of the Boleyn family of life and head.
Louis XIV and Marquise de Montespan
Francoise Athenais de Rochechouar de Mortemar was the official favorite of the “sun king”, as they called Louis XIV, for his cheerful disposition and love of entertainment. For sixteen years of romantic relations with the king, the Marquis de Montespan gave birth to seven children. She influenced many political events and was very interested in the affairs of her passionate lover. Their connection ended with the expulsion of Francoise from the yard and the monarch had his own reason for this.
Louis XIV and Marquise de Maintenon
Francoise d’ Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon came to Versailles as a teacher of illegitimate children of the king. At this time, his official favorite was the Marquise de Montespan, who led the future rival. But after the death of Maria Theresa of the legitimate Queen of France, Louis XIV very affectionately attached to the Marquis de Montenon. With her, he was combined with an organic marriage, and all this happened back in 1683.
Louis XV and Jeanne Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour
Jeanne Poisson is the most famous and influential favorite of the King of France Louis XV, known for her education and beauty. Her status in high society was like that of a modern socialite. Voltaire himself wanted to meet her. He had heard about her sharp mind and wanted to personally communicate with her in order to hear her opinion on different spheres of culture and science. For more than twenty years, Pompadour was an adviser, friend and right-handed king of France. She steadfastly and without hysteria accepted her rivals and, even after the termination of relations with the king, remained his friend at court. Louis did not allow a bad word to be said in her direction; he highly valued his marquise.
Charles VII and Agnes Sorel
Witnesses claimed that after the first meeting with Agnes Sorel, Karl could not find a place for himself and wandered around the palace as if restless. He immediately decided that he would make her his favorite and would not accept rejection. This did not happen. Agnes Sorel was still that seductress. It was thanks to her that a fashion for more relaxed and sexy outfits appeared, after she introduced them at the court. An interesting fact is that the lawful wife of Karl, Maria of Anjou, decided instead of war to declare friendship to her opponent. This pleased and surprised the king and his favorite, who at that time had already given birth to their first child.
Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana (Hürrem Haseki Sultan)
The story of a Ukrainian girl who conquered the heart of the Turkish Sultan flew around the world and became a vivid example of love without borders. Anastasia Gavrilovna Lisovskaya was driven into the Turkish harem by the Crimean Tatars, where she first became a beloved concubine, and then Haseki Sultan, that is, her beloved wife. Roxolana gave birth to a sultan of six children and became the mother of Sultan Selim II. She participated in political affairs and paid a lot of attention to charity.
Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine Beauharnais
Josephine de Beauharnais - the first lady of France and the first wife of Napoleon. She became famous for her cunning fraud in the financial sphere and treason not beloved, but Bonaparte needed her so much. After the first marriage, Madame Beauharnais had many connections in high society, which allowed the young artillery officer Napoleon to advance in the military field. This marriage was rather mutually beneficial and calculated, rather than great love. Although he brought both of them what they wanted, Josephine - recognition and money, Napoleon - power and honors.
Edward VIII and Bessie Wallis Simpson
There are women for whom men are ready for anything, even to abandon the throne. So did the loving king of England Edward VIII for the sake of his Bessie, despite the fact that she had two divorces. However, the woman herself called such a decision stupidity, because she so dreamed of becoming a real queen, and became only the Duchess of Windsor. The couple in love married in 1937. They traveled a lot around the world and settled in France. The couple did not have children, and maybe this is even for the best.
Camilla Parker Bowles
The romantic story of this royal favorite is amazing, because her love has come a long way and more than one test. The touching relationship of Camille Parker-Bowles and Prince of Wales Charles began back in the distant 1970s. Her modest candidacy did not fit the role of the future Queen of England. Charles was forced to break off this relationship and marry Princess Diana. But, as they say, you cannot command the heart, and after some time their love affair resumed with renewed vigor. After the death of his wife, Charles, without hesitation, decided to marry a second time and made Camille an offer. Interestingly, this time the royal family, parliament and even the church agreed to this marriage. Perhaps, having reunited with his beloved from the very beginning, the prince would have met fewer tragic events in his life. But even later - in love hearts found happiness.
Summarize
Love is boundless, resurrecting, boundless, magical, disinterested, bewitching. Sincere love opens any doors and locks, it can melt ice and extinguish flames, inspire hope and give life. For the sake of love, a person is ready for anything, and we see this from all our stories. If there is love, then there are no barriers, and it doesn’t matter whether you are the king or the poor, because this is real chemistry ...