Maria's early life was troubled by her father's political misfortune. Ironically, King Stanislaw's hopeless political career was eventually the reason that his daughter Maria became queen of France. Cardinal Fleury, Louis XV's Prime Minister, wanted to find his king a royal bride who would not drag France into any complicated political alliances. Since Stanislaw's royal power no longer existed, Maria Leszczynska was chosen to marry the young French king.
Their marriage was initially happy and they had many children - most of whom were incredibly loyal to their mother. However, Louis was a notorious womaniser and several of his mistresses - particularly the glamorous Madame de Pompadour eventually eclipsed Queen Maria's social status at Versailles.
Maria was a devout Roman Catholic and her major contribution to life at Versailles was the weekly event of Polish Choral Concerts. She also met the young Mozart, who she was very charmed by.
Maria died in 1768, six years before her husband. His new mistress was a former prostitute, Madame du Barry. Her children and grandchildren sincerely grieved at Maria's death. Two years later, her grandson Louis-Auguste was married to a young Austrian archduchess - Marie Antoinette - who was destined to become the last legitimate queen of France.
