Marie Antoinette
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Marie Antoinette
Louis supports the rebel colonies in America against France’s old enemy, England. Though still with no son, Antoinette moves to the Petit Trianon, where life is less formal.
Antoinette is pregnant at last! But copies of a pornographic pamphlet circulate Versailles depicting Chartres as her lover and father to the unborn child, cuckolding the King.
To salvage the royal marriage - and their nations’ alliance - Antoinette’s brother Joseph intervenes. His bluntness is mixed with joviality, but he faces an uphill task.
Becoming king initially paralyses Louis, and Marie is drawn into the tussle over the choice of prime minister. The celebratory ball she holds makes her the centre of attention.
The king collapses, and on recovery, decides to grant du Barry status at court – as his queen. An official visit to Paris puts Louis and Antoinette on show.
The royal family holidays at Fontainebleau, an escape from stifling Versailles. Marie’s hostilities with du Barry threaten to sour things with the King.