Duchesse de Tourzel (1749–1832)

In 1764, Louise-Elizabeth de Croÿ-Havré married Louis François du Bouchet de Sourches, marquis de Tourzel, and the couple had five children. She became the official governess of the children of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette in 1789, succeeding the duchesse de Polignac. Known to history by her later title of duchesse de Tourzel, she was a cultivated, devout woman and a kind, affectionate governess who endeared herself to the queen and her children. She was devoted to the royal family and accompanied them on the ill-fated Flight to Varennes in 1791 and was imprisoned with them in the Temple in Paris. She survived the French Revolution and was created a duchess in 1816 by Louis XVIII. She later published her memoirs, which are an invaluable historical account of the final days of the family.