Barbara Palmer, nee Villiers, followed in her ancestor's footsteps by becoming a king's favourite and mistress. She enjoyed power at the Stuart court that Charles' wife Catherine of Braganza could only wish for and while the royal marriage remained childless Barbara bore Charles II at least five children who were recognised and given titles, most of which still exist today.
But a mistress or courtesan is not ever wholly secure in her position and Barbara's popularity waned, her successor was not the lady that Charles initially had his wandering eye on.
"La Belle Stuart" proved unconquerable and although Frances was not to be immortalised as a royal mistress she is remembered for other fascinating reasons.
Find out more in Charles II: The Merry Monarch, La Belle Stuart And The Uncrowned Queen. Royal Romance and Refusal.
Charles II: The Merry Monarch, La Belle Stuart And The Uncrowned Queen: Royal Romance And Refusal
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