The Life of Diane de Poitiers

Diane is born

Sep 3, 1499

Diane is born in Saint Vallier to Jean de Poitiers and Jeanne de Bortanay. She is born into one of the most powerful families (of her time) in France during the Renaissance. Her mother dies when she is six years old; her father later sends her to live with Anne de Beajeu, an intelligent and capable woman. This greatly accounts for Diane's character and mind set.

Diane's life span

Period: Sep 3, 1499 to Dec 15, 1566

Diane marries Louis de Breze

Mar 20, 1515

Diane married Louis, who was 39 years her senior, when she was fifteen. Louis de Breze had a high social status, therefore bringing Diane to a higher statu. With all of his wealth and importance, Diane's status was right below that of the Princess of the Blood. This gave her a great advantage in her future.

Diane's father is accused of treason

Apr 19, 1524

In 1524, her father is accused of treason as an accomplice of the rebellious Connetable de Bourbon. Just as he was about to die, his life was sparedby Francis I. (Later on, Diane is accused of treason by Catherine de Medici. She attempts to support this by reminding the court of Diane's father's actions and explains how Diane is following his footsteps. Diane does not get put on trial.)

Diane becomes a widow

Feb 1, 1531

Diane's husband, Louis, died in Anet. When still the wife of Louis, she became lady-in-waiting to Queen Claude of France. After the queen died, she served in the same capacity to Louise of Savoy, then Eleanor of Austria. Like most women of her time who became widowed, she followed the tradition of wearing only black and white. She continued to do so until the day of her own death, making it a trademark/symbol of sorts.

Diane become's Henry's mistress

Jan 20, 1534

Diane had been responsible for Henry for a long time. She taught him everything that he knew; mostly how to deal and manage with things in the kingdom. When Henry married Catherine de Medici in 1533, Diane approved of her, even though there is a rivalry from the start. Catherine became ill with scarlett fever a short time after the wedding and remained ill for a long period of time; Diane helped nurse her back to health. It is believed that Diane became Henry's mistress in this period of time.

Diane exiles Anne de Pisseleu

Oct 15, 1547

Anne de Piseeleu was King Francios I's favorite in the court, as well as his mistress. During his rule, as Diane was part of the royal court as well, they were in constant competition. After the king passed away, Diane gained more authority and ordered Anne to be exiled.

Becomes Dutchess of Valentinois

May 17, 1548

In a small amount of time, Diane gained control of most within the realm. As there is a Duke of Valentinois, there is also a dutchess. She is given the prestigious title of Dutchess of Valentinois, giving her control of the Duchy of Valentinios.
She is one of only four to ever recieve this title in the history of France.

Diane is made Duchesse of d'Etampes

Jun 24, 1553

A couple of years after she is named Dutchess of Valentinois, she is also given the title Dutchess of d'Etampes. Anne de Pisseleu (who she executed) had been the dutchess before her. Anne had been excused from this title when King Francios died. This gave Diane an even higher social status, as well as more influence over the people of France.

Diane is banished from Chenaunceau

Sep 8, 1559

Some may argue that Diane only remained with power as long as she did because of her relationship with Henry. When King Henry was critically wounded in a jousting tournament, Queen Catherine assumed control and restricted access to him. When he died, Diane wasn't invited to the funeral, even though she had a huge role in his life. Instead, Catherine banished Diane from Chenonceau to the Château de Chaumont.

Diane dies

Dec 15, 1566

Diane only stayed at the Château de Chaumont for a short time. She later moved and lived out her remaining years in her chateau in Anet, Eure-et-Loir, where she died (possibly due to the "drinkable gold" she consumed). Her daughter made sure her funeral chapel was built near the castle, as her mother wished. During the French Revolution, her tomb was opened and her remains thrown into a mass grave.
Diane de Poitiers is now remembered in history as one of the most famous French royal mistresses.