Amantes dos Reis de Portugal

by Paula Lourenço

Behind the official history of the Portuguese kings and their marriages with princesses from all Europe lies a story of passions, illegitimate children and illicit love that has never been told. Ladies-in-waiting, prostitutes, slaves, lyrical singers, actresses or peasant women, all had the attentions and the favors of the Portuguese kings. If Madame Pompadour gained status as mistress in the French court of King Louis XV, few are the lovers of Portuguese kings who became known in history. Here are some of their stories...