Marie Thérèse Louise de Savoie-Carignan

Marie Thérèse Louise de Savoy-Carignan (Italian: Maria Teresa Luisa di Savoia-Carignano; born on September 8, 1749, belonged to the Savoy-Carignano cadet branch of the House of Savoy. At the tender age of 17, she entered matrimony with Louis Alexandre de Vermandois-Penthièvre, Prince de Lamballe, who held the esteemed title of heir to France's greatest fortune. In 1775, she was bestowed with the prestigious role of Première Dame d'Honneur to Caroline Mathilde de Hanovre.
Renowned for her striking beauty, Marie Thérèse's allure transcended any physical imperfections, such as her lack of figure elegance and hands considered unattractive due to their size. Despite these flaws, her charm was undeniable. Known for her gentle, obliging, and cheerful temperament, she lacked wit but compensated with vivacity, sprightliness, and a childlike innocence that concealed her intellectual shortcomings. In conversation, she often deferred to others' opinions, adapting to the perspectives of those she deemed the most intelligent.
== Youth ==
Born on September 8th, 1749, at the Palazzo Carignano in Turin, Maria Teresa Luisa was the sixth child and fifth daughter of Louis Victor of Savoy, Prince of Carignano, and Landgravine Christine Henriette of Hesse-Rheinfels-Rotenburg. Her arrival was met with joyous celebrations, with crowds lining the streets to cheer and sing.
However, Maria Teresa's childhood passed by without much fanfare. Unlike her peers, she exhibited little interest in the intrigues of court life, instead finding solace in charitable pursuits. Yet, as she blossomed into adolescence, she began to leave a lasting impression. Her captivating beauty, accentuated by her flowing locks that once cascaded down to her knees, distinguished her from the rest, drawing admiring gazes wherever she went.
== Marriage ==
On January 31st, 1767, Maria Teresa and Louis Alexandre de Bourbon-Penthièvre entered into marriage through a proxy ceremony. Before this, Louis Alexandre, son of Louis de Bourbon-Toulouse, Duke of Penthièvre, and Princess Maria Teresa d'Este, crossed paths with Maria Teresa while disguised as a humble country servant. In a gesture representing his "master," he presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Louis Alexandre's lineage traced back to Louis XIV's acknowledged son, Louis Alexandre de Bourbon.
Louis XV orchestrated this union, seeing it as a fitting match due to the familial connections between the couple. Maria Teresa's family accepted the proposal to align with the King of Sardinia's desire for an alliance between the Houses of Savoy and Bourbon.
The proxy ceremony took place at the Savoyard royal court in Turin, followed by celebrations attended by the King of Sardinia and his retinue. On January 24th, Maria Teresa crossed the Beauvoisin bridge from Savoy to France, parting ways with her Italian companions and embracing her new French retinue, who escorted her to her groom and father-in-law at Chateau de Nangis. Her formal introduction to the French royal court occurred in February at the Palace of Versailles, guided by Maria Fortunata, Countess de La Marche. Embracing the French version of her name, Marie Thérèse Louise, she embraced her new role.
Initially, the marriage appeared harmonious, but Louis Alexandre's infidelity with two actresses shattered Marie Thérèse. Seeking solace, she found comfort in her father-in-law, forging a deep bond with him amidst the turmoil. Turning to religion for solace, she contemplated the possibility of entering a convent in the future.
== Royal Court ==
=== Appointments ===
In 1775, Marie Thérèse found herself increasingly drawn to court affairs, particularly the elegant balls hosted by Madame de Noailles. With awareness of her upcoming involvement in royal ceremonies, she eagerly anticipated meeting the Dauphine, Caroline Mathilde de Hanovre, and other prominent personalities. Additionally, her appointment as Première Dame d'Honneur by the King, based on her gentle and pleasant demeanor, solidified her position within the royal court. Ready to throw herself into any task to support the Dauphine, Marie Thérèse was poised to fulfill her duties with dedication and loyalty.
== Titles and Styles ==
* 8 September 1749 - 31 January 1767: Son Altesse Princesse de Savoie
* 31 January 1767 - Present: Son Altesse Sérénissime Princesse de Lamballe
* Styled as a Princesse du Sang as wife of the Prince de Lamballe