Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy

Jeanne lamotte valois

Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy (22 July 1756 – 23 August 1791), also known as Jeanne de la Motte, was a notorious figure in French history, primarily remembered for her role in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace. This scandal significantly tarnished the reputation of the French monarchy on the eve of the French Revolution. Jeanne claimed descent from the Valois dynasty, a claim that played a central role in her life and her infamous scheme.

Early Life

Jeanne was born in Fontette, a small town in northeastern France. Her family claimed to be descendants of the illegitimate son of Henry II of France, which, if true, would have made her a distant relative of the reigning Bourbon dynasty. However, her family lived in abject poverty, and Jeanne's early life was marked by hardship and deprivation.

Rise to Notoriety

Jeanne's life took a dramatic turn when she married Nicolas de la Motte, an officer of modest means. Ambitious and resourceful, Jeanne used her alleged noble lineage to gain entry into the higher echelons of French society. Her charm and wit won her many influential friends, and she soon became a fixture at the court of Versailles.

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace

The event that would make Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy infamous was the Affair of the Diamond Necklace. This scandal involved a diamond necklace worth an enormous sum, originally intended for Marie Antoinette. Jeanne, along with several accomplices, concocted a scheme to acquire the necklace under the pretense that it was to be purchased for the queen. The jewellers were deceived into handing over the necklace to Jeanne, who then sold the diamonds in Paris and London.

The theft was eventually discovered, leading to a highly publicized trial. Jeanne was accused of orchestrating the affair, and her connections to the royal family were scrutinized. The scandal added to the public's growing distrust of the monarchy, which was already under fire for its extravagance and perceived detachment from the common people.

Trial and Exile

Jeanne was found guilty and sentenced to be whipped, branded with a "V" for "voleuse" (thief in French), and imprisoned. However, she managed to escape from prison and fled to London, where she lived in exile until her death in 1791. While in London, Jeanne published memoirs that further scandalized the French monarchy and contributed to its declining reputation.

Legacy

Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy's life story is a vivid illustration of the complexities and turbulence of pre-revolutionary France. Her audacious scheme exposed the vulnerabilities of the French aristocracy and contributed to the growing unrest that would culminate in the French Revolution. Today, she remains a subject of fascination for historians and the public alike, symbolizing the decadence and corruption that led to the downfall of one of Europe's most ancient regimes.