JANE POPINCOURT MISTRESS TO HENRY VIII
Jane Popincourt was reportedly the very first mistress of Henry VIII.
Jane was a French noblewoman, and maid-of-honour to the Queens of Louis XII and Francis I.
In the reign of Henry VII, Jane came to England as a tutor, teaching French to the princesses, Margaret and Mary.
For around twelve years, she had a position at the English court.
In 1509 Jane Popincourt became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Katharine of Aragon.
Jane engaged in many love affairs at the English court, most notably with the Duke of Longueville.
The romance with the French Duke seriously damaged Jane’s reputation.
The Duke returned to France and Jane stayed behind.
Jane was listed to accompany Henry’s sister Princess Mary, to France , when she was to become the wife of King Louis XII.
However, when the French court had heard of Jane’s “adventures,” they refused to have her accompany Princess Mary.
Louis XII allegedly said he thought her behaviour was too immoral to accompany his new wife!
It was at this time that Jane’s affair with Henry VIII began.
The affair itself was very short-lived – but not due to the ever-changing moods of the King.
Jane decided to return to France in 1516, with a parting gift of £100 from Henry.
It is likely that she continued her affair with the Duke of Longueville, when she returned to France.
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