Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 3 Being the Historic Memoirs of Madam Campan, First Lady in Waiting to the Queen

Within the first months of Louis XVI’s reign, Madame Campan offers a lively, behind‑the‑scenes portrait of life at Versailles. As the queen’s trusted lady‑in‑waiting, she recounts the king’s early preoccupations with his grandfather’s papers, the queen’s dazzling public appearances, and the court’s enthusiasm for theatrical spectacles. The narrative captures the delicate balance of royal duty and personal curiosity that animated the new monarchs’ mornings and evenings.

Interwoven with courtly detail is the fascinating debate over the legendary “Man in the Iron Mask.” Campan describes a private conversation where the king shares recent findings, debunking popular myths and exposing the bureaucratic realities behind the legend. Simultaneously, she notes the queen’s efforts to improve the fortunes of Louis XV’s daughters and the modest financial maneuvers hidden in the royal treasury. Through her clear, observant voice, listeners glimpse the mixture of glamour, intrigue, and everyday concerns that defined the early years of Marie Antoinette’s court.