How Historically Accurate is Season 2 of Versailles

Season 2 of Versailles focuses on increasing tensions at court as the nobles have numerous feuds against each other as well as with the king. Meanwhile, new religious fervor, headed by the queen (Queen Maria Theresa of Spain). External threats are also present, with William of Orange becoming more powerful in Holland and threatening Louis XIV's hold on power.

Historical Background

The second series begins at around 1671, a few years after Season 1 ended. By this point, the Dauphin (the eldest son and heir of Louis XIV) has been recovered and the plot against him by Protestants and the Dutch has been thwarted. There were continued unrest, stemming from earlier revolts against the King and French nobility in general, during the so-called Fronde rebellion that occurred during Louis' childhood. This led to courtiers to spy and sometimes attempt to thwart Louis' ambitions, including through poisonings. Many of the poisonings were also done between nobles, as they attempted to attain power or kill rival nobles, such as the killing of one of Louis' ministers (the Affair of the Poisons).

Several main characters are killed in the second season, including Claudine (the doctor) and the chief gardener at Versailles. Meanwhile, Louis and his brother (Philippe I, Duke of Orléans) continue their feuding, where finally the Duke returns to court under the wishes of his brother. In fact, a key event is the marriage of the Duke, after his wife (who was purported to be Louis' lover), had died, allegedly from poisoning in Season 1. The new marriage, with Princess Palatine, seems to start at a difficult level for the two, but soon it evolves into a friendship with the Duke sometimes performing his duties in the marital bed despite his homosexuality. In fact, this causes tensions in the episodes, as the Chevalier, the Duke's lover, becomes jealous and increasingly worried he has lost his lover.