Jeanne of Nemours (1644–1724)

Duchess and regent of Savoy. Name variations: Giovanna Battista; Jeanne de Nemours; Jeanne-Baptist de Savoie-Nemours; Jean de Savoie-Nemours; Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste; Marie de Savoy-Nemours; Marie of Savoy-Nemours; Madame Royale. Born Marie Jeanne Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours, April 11, 1644; regent (1675–84); died Mar 15, 1724 in Savoy; dau. of Charles Amadeus of Savoy-Nemours also known as Charles Amedeé of Savoy (who was killed in a celebrated duel with his brother-in-law, François de Vendome, duke of Beaufort) and Elizabeth de Bourbon; sister of Marie Françoise of Savoy (1646–1683); became 2nd wife of Charles Emmanuel II (1634–1675), duke of Savoy (r. 1638–1675), in 1664; children: Victor Amadeus II (1666–1732), duke of Savoy (r. 1675–1713), king of Sicily (r. 1713–1718) and Sardinia (r. 1718–1730). Charles Emmanuel's 1st wife was Françoise d'Orleans (fl. 1650).

Became 2nd wife of 4th cousin, Charles Emmanuel, duke of Savoy, who had, with aid of his mother Christine of France, ruled over the politically important state of Savoy since 1638; presided over the court's administration and activities, but took no overt political role until husband's death (1675); became regent for 9-year-old son Victor Amadeus; is credited for maintaining Savoy's independence against its internal and external enemies; ambitious and politically astute, dismissed husband's council and named her own advisors; attempted to appease the nobles, who grew more openly partisan each day, with financial rewards for their loyalty; also attempted to keep her volatile son from being exposed to the politics of the court, which led him to resent her; accepted the financial and military support of King Louis XIV of France, but eventually became convinced that France was more of a threat than an ally.

See also Women in World History.