Portrait of Louise de Kerouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth (1649-1734), three-quarter-length, in a red dress with a green cloak, beside an orange tree

Louise Rene de Penancoet de Kerouialle first visted England in 1670 as Maid of Honour to Charles II's sister, Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans. The King was entranced by her appearance, and on her return to England the following year she became his principal mistress. She incurred the merciless teasing and rivalry of Nell Gwyn, the King's existing mistress, whom she regarded as being low born and sluttish. She bore the King one son, Charles, Duke of Richmond and was subsequently created Duchess of Portsmouth in 1673. She stayed in England until 1688, constantly exerting her influence to keep the King dependant on France.