Minette - The Life And Letters Of A Stuart Princess

Explore the fascinating life of an often overlooked figure in history, Henriette Anne Stuart (1644-1670), the youngest sister of Charles II whom he affectionately called ‘Minette’.

Smuggled from England at the age of two, Henriette Anne was brought up at the French court where she married Philippe, Duke of Orléans, the brother of Louis XIV. Famed for her charming nature, impeccable manners and keen interest in the arts, she also possessed a flair for politics and played a key role in negotiating a secret alliance between the French and English monarchs.

This exhibit centres around a magnificent full-length portrait of Henriette Anne by the French artist Jean Nocret (1615-1672) and explores Minette’s short life within a court riven with power struggles, scandal and intrigue.