Madame de Pompadour

Born in Paris, France, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, better known as Madame de Pompadour was the chief mistress of King Louis XV. However, Smithsonian Magazine reported that she was a lot more than a “mistress.” For instance, she had also served as the trusted advisor to the King, controlled his meetings with audiences, and occasionally made announcements and statements in his place.

Despite being married to Charles Guillaume le Normant d’Étolles, Madame de Pompadour remained with King Louis CV until her death in 1964, caused by tuberculosis. She was relatively young (43) when she died.