DUCHESS OF MONTPENSIER: (1627-1693) Anne Marie Louise d´Orleans, known as ''La Grande Mademoiselle''. ...

DUCHESS OF MONTPENSIER: (1627-1693) Anne Marie Louise d´Orleans, known as ''La Grande Mademoiselle''. Grand-daughter of King Henri IV and first cousin of King Louis XIV, she is one of the greatest heiresses in history. Anne Marie died unmarried and childless. Rare L.S., `Anne Marie Louise d´Orleans´, one page, oblong 15 x 11 parchment, Paris, 21st April 1690, in old French. The letter is a request to the King referring to the appointment, according to the report received, of the `..Master of the Waters and Forests of our Duchy..´, stating `We very humbly beg His Majesty that according to the present appointment and presentation, He will order that all letters of provisioning and supplies will be given to Pierre Beaupoil..´ With two small holes to the upper border only affecting one word. Overall age wear and staining, with one ink stain only affecting to the first letter of first name of the Duchess. G £400-600 The Duchess of Montpensier left her vast fortune to her cousin Philippe of France. She received proposals from various members of European ruling families, including Charles II of England. She eventually fell in love with the courtier, Antoine Nompar de Caumont and scandalized the court of France when she asked King Louis XIV for permission to marry him. She is best remembered for her Memoires and for her role in the Fronde, bringing the famous composer Lully to the king's court.