I am Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henry VII of France. I was born in 1499 into a wealthy and powerful family. I was married at a young age, but my husband died when I was in my early twenties.
After my husband's death, I became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Claude of France. Queen Claude was the wife of King Francis I, and I was immediately drawn to the court. I was a beautiful and intelligent woman, and I quickly became one of the most popular ladies at court.
In 1536, I met King Henry VII, the second son of King Francis I. Henry was only fifteen years old at the time, but I was immediately smitten with him. Henry was also attracted to me, and we began a secret love affair.
Our love affair lasted for over twenty years. Even though Henry was married to Catherine de' Medici, he loved me more than her. He showered me with gifts and titles, and he made me one of the most powerful women in France.
I used my power to influence Henry's policies. I was a strong supporter of the Catholic Church, and I helped to suppress the Protestant Reformation in France. I also promoted the arts and sciences, and I helped to make France a center of Renaissance culture.
Henry died in 1559, and I was devastated. I lost my lover and my protector. Catherine de' Medici, who had always hated me, took control of the French court and forced me into exile.
I died in 1566 at the age of sixty-seven. I was buried in the Château d'Anet, a castle that Henry had given me.
