Maria Leshchinskaya - Polish princess, who became the queen of France

Maria Leshchinskaya is the queen of France, the wife of Louis XV. The biography of the Polish princess is a string of severe trials. From a young age she had to fight for her right to a better life, overcoming the insidious tricks of fate. However, even finding herself in the royal palace, she could not find her happiness.

Childhood of the Polish Princess

Maria Leshchinskaya was born June 23, 1703 in the town of Trzebnica, Poland. She was the daughter of a Polish aristocrat Stanislav Leschinsky. But, despite this, the girl and could not enjoy the delights of luxury life. Two years after her birth in Poland, a fierce struggle for the throne began, and her father was involved in a series of bloody battles.

Thanks to the support of the Swedes, Stanislav Leszczynski wins a short-term victory over his opponent Augustus II. In 1706 he became the legitimate king of Poland. Alas, his reign lasted only three years. After the devastating defeat of the Swedes at Poltava, Augustus II regains the throne.

Having lost protection, Stanislav, along with his family, runs first to Prussia, and then to France. Here they have to lead a very modest lifestyle. Thus, the Polish princess, having noble roots, did not know the joys of palace life at all.

Wife for the King of France

In 1724, King Louis XV of France announced his decision to marry. Rather, this decision was taken by his regent Henri de Bourbon-Conde. The reason for this was the fear of the dynasty. After all, Louis was her last representative. In case of his death, the throne will be without direct heirs, which would lead the country to protracted strife and civil strife.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs began to search for a suitable pair for the king. Soon they had a list of one hundred applicants. And it was only after three tough selections that Maria Leshchinskaya defeated her rivals. This was a complete surprise for many, since the girl did not possess a dowry.

However, she had other advantages. First, her family was outside political intrigues, which suited the regent. Secondly, the age of the girl, according to doctors, was ideal for conceiving a child. In the long run, these advantages outweighed everything else. And in 1725 Maria Leshchinskaya became the wife of Louis XV, who at the time was only 15 years old.

Children of the Queen of France

The new union quickly brought the result. A year later, the newly made queen became pregnant. In 1727, she gave birth to twins - the girls Maria Louise and Henrietta Anna. This event greatly pleased Louis XV, and in honor of the princesses was arranged a chic feast.

Soon Maria Leschinskaya became pregnant again. The whole courtyard was sure that a boy would be born, but the queen gave birth to a daughter. The king was indignant. However, a year later, his dissatisfaction and unrest were dispelled - the queen was giving birth to the heir. In general, their marriage gave France ten children: 8 girls and 2 boys.

Sad fate

Maria Leshchinskaya was the queen of France, but she was not the mistress of her house. It was worthwhile for Louis to grow up, as he began to regularly change his wife. At the same time he was not ashamed of his love affairs, which even more affected the queen.

Over the years, the situation has only worsened. In 1745, the official favorite of Louis XV was Madame Pompadour. This lady skillfully courted the king, so that he fulfilled all her whims. Naturally, the new mistress reduced the convenience of a legitimate wife to a minimum. In the end, Maria Leshchinskaya began to live only with her children, leaving political battles in the distance.

Mark on history

Becoming the wife of the king, Maria persuaded Louis XV to support his father in claims to the Polish throne. In 1733, thanks to the influence of France, Stanislav Leszczynski once again acquired power in his native country. However, the intervention of Russia and Austria led to the fact that the Leszczynski family was banished from Poland for good.

In the rest Maria Leshchinskaya was remembered as the patroness of the poor. While her husband burned the wealth of the country for his own pleasure, she helped the needy money and food. That is why the people loved her much more than Louis, who later died in contempt, at the hands of one of his mistresses.