Guillemette de Sarrebruck facts for kids
Guillemette de Sarrebruck (born around 1490, died 1571) was an important woman who worked at the royal court in France. She held key positions, like being a teacher for the French royal children. She also served as the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary Stuart of France from 1559 to 1560. After 1525, she became the Countess of Braine, inheriting the title from her brother who had no children.
Life and Family
Guillemette de Sarrebruck was the daughter of Robert II de Sarrebruck-Commercy and Marie d'Amboise. In 1510, she married Robert III de La Marck. They had one son together.
Their son was named Robert IV de La Marck (1512–1556). He grew up to become the Duke of Bouillon and the Prince of Sedan. He also held the important military rank of Marshal of France.
Working at Court
Guillemette de Sarrebruck had a very long career working for the French royal family. She served as a dame or dame d'honneur, which means she was a lady-in-waiting. She worked for three different queens of France.
These queens were Anne de Bretagne, Eleanor of Austria, and Catherine de Médici. A lady-in-waiting helps the queen with daily tasks and is part of her official group of helpers.
Guillemette also had a special role as the Governess of the Children of France. This meant she was responsible for teaching and raising the children of King Francis I. She helped educate the young princes and princesses.
In 1559, she was chosen for an even higher position. She became the Première dame d'honneur, or head lady-in-waiting, to Queen Mary Stuart of France. This was a very important and trusted role.
Her time as head lady-in-waiting ended in 1560. This was after Queen Mary Stuart's husband died. Mary Stuart then returned to her home country of Scotland the following year.
