Marie Anne de Bourbon (1666-1739) - Find a Grave Memorial

French Aristocracy. Born Marie Anne de Bourbon at Vincennes, France, the illegitimate daughter of Louis XIV of France and his mistress Louise de la Baume le Blanc, Duchesse de la Vallière, one of at least eight illigitamate children born to the king and his mistresses over the course of his reign. She was legitimized by letter-license in May 1667, apparently because her father had her in mind as a bride for his cousin the Duke of Savoy, the family however, refused the proposal due to her bastardy. Not wanting to lose favor with the king, however, a nephew was proposed instead. She married Louis-Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Conti in January 1680. The couple apparently did not get along well, and the Prince de Conti spent most of their married life abroad. In 1685, she was stricken with severe case of small pox, and her husband was summoned. The princess recovered, but her husband contracted the disease and died within a few days, leaving her a teenaged widow of great wealth. She was widely courted and was reputed to have taken several lovers over the next few years. She never married again, retiring to her properties and living quietly after the death of her father. She died at age 72 in Paris. She was also known as Mademoiselle de Blois.

Bio by: Iola