Laure-Auguste de Fitz-James

Laure Auguste de Fitz-James, Princesse de Chimay (7 December 1744 - Present), fondly known as Léonie, was the daughter of Charles de Fitz-James, Duke of Fitz-James, and Louise Victoire Sophie Goyons Matignon. Later, she served as the Dame d'Honneur to the Dauphine, Caroline Mathilde de Hanovre, forming a profound friendship. De Chimay earned praise for her unwavering reliability and dedication. 
== Biography ==
=== Birth & Childhood ===
Laure-Auguste de Fitz-James, born in Paris to Charles de Fitz-James, duc de Fitz-James, and Louise Victoire Sophie Goyons Matignon, enjoyed a privileged upbringing. Under the guidance of private tutors, she held dear the moments spent with her family and nurtured a deep love for opera. Despite her distinctive nose, she was considered quite beautiful. Known for her intelligence and generosity, she often treated her relatives to entertainment. While her family recognized her potential, influenced by her mother's standing at court, she held a preference for the countryside.
== Marriage ==
In 1762, she found herself in an arranged marriage with Philippe Gabriel de Hénin-Liétard, prince de Chimay, yet their union remained unconsummated. This link made her the sister-in-law of Charles-Joseph de Hénin-Liétard d'Alsace. Despite her fondness for courtly life, her strict adherence to religious principles often alienated others. Moreover, she struggled with feelings of academic inferiority. Nonetheless, these very traits deemed her suitable for royal ceremonies, leading to her appointment as dame du palais; a role previously held by her mother during Marie Leszczynska's reign.
== Royal Court ==
Following the queen's passing in 1768, de Chimay retained her position, awaiting the arrival of the dauphine, alongside première dame d'honneur Anne de Noailles, comtesse de Noailles, and dame d'atour Amable-Gabrielle de Villars. In March 1775, she began her service as dame pour accompagner la dauphine, and later ascended to the role of Dame d'Honneur upon Caroline Mathilde de Hanovre's arrival in France, courtesy of the king's favor.
== Titles and Styles ==
* 7 December 1744-3 May 1762: Mademoiselle de Fitz-James
* 3 May 1762-Present: Sa Grâce, Princesse de Chimay