7. Phillipe de Loraine
This handsome fellow made his way into the history books as the not-so-secret lover to Phillipe I, Duke of Orleans. A member of the House of Guise, Phillipe was a noble from birth. His family connections placed him in close proximity to the king’s brother, also named Phillipe. The two became lovers in spite of the fact that the Duke of Orleans was already married. A scandal arose when his first wife Henriette died under “mysterious circumstances” because many suspected the Chevalier de Loraine poisoned her. Turns out she actually died of a perforated ulcer, but that isn’t nearly as exciting saying she was murdered.
Though the Duke of Orleans married for a second time, his lover remained by his side for the most part. These two loved each other and like every couple had their fights, but their spats usually ended up in the Chevalier being exiled. Many at court were not fond of the Phillipe, including the Duke’s brother, Louis XIV. However, Phillipe remained (mostly) loyal to his lover, until the day the Duke died. Legends of the man’s exploits still survive to this day.