3,257
edits
Changes
→Characters and Accuracy
Louis XIV: This season shows Louis having more difficulties sleeping. In part, he seems haunted by his image and whether or not he would make a good king and leave a lasting legacy. His affair with Madame de Montespan causes problems for him, particularly at court, with the queen, and the church. The church was known to have rebuked Madame de Montespan, by refusing to give her communion, and trying to get Louis to end the affair. However, this never ultimately succeeded. Louis still shows himself being a strong character when it counts and making decisive decisions, despite his worries and deep stress.
Prince Philippe: While the princes' homosexuality is well known fact, other aspects of his personality were more fictional. For instance, it is not clear that the king and Prince Philippe ever had any open feuds to the extent they were depicted. Prince Philippe was known to have great skill in the battlefield, which is discussed in season 2, where it was found surprising that the king did not send him to fight the Dutch (even by William III).
Princess Palatine: She is the main new character. She is shown as a naive princess when she arrives in court, dressed inappropriately and sometimes made fun of. However, it is clear she learns and finds a way to adjust to her role as the wife of Phillipe despite knowing she will never find deep love with him. In effect, she makes the most out of a difficult, political situation she was forced into. There is some truth to this, as Princess Palatine and Phillipe were reported to be relatively happy together despite the apparent sexual incompatibilities.
