Stanisław August Poniatowski had many mistresses throughout his life. Some of them stayed longer, others disappeared quickly. There were those who ignited feelings in him, but there were also those he quickly forgot. He had several mistresses at the same time, so it is difficult even to estimate how many women passed through his bedroom.
First Stirrings of Love
Stanisław August Poniatowski as a youth did not pay much attention to carnal pleasures. He remained a virgin until the age of 23. First, he tasted true, though unfulfilled, love. He fell in love with his cousin, Elżbieta Izabela Czartoryska. Poniatowski had a very good relationship with her. Already as children, they spent much time together. Growing up, he began to notice many of her virtues.
Elżbieta was a beautiful young woman. She definitely fit the canon of beauty. She was short, had rounded arms, and her feet and hands were small. Stanisław saw in her not only external beauty but also internal beauty.
Their relationship was close and very intimate. They loved reading poetry together and had common interests. Elżbieta also impressed him with her education and intellect.
Unfortunately, their feeling had no chance for further development. It quickly became apparent that Stanisław was not a good candidate for Elżbieta’s husband. Of course, the reason was his position.
In those times, marriages were very often arranged and were supposed to bring measurable political and financial benefits. Ultimately, Elżbieta married Stanisław Lubomirski, who was a very wealthy man.
Why Did Stanisław Enjoy Such Great Success?
A confluence of many circumstances caused Stanisław August Poniatowski to achieve political success. As it turns out, his success with the opposite sex was not accidental. He was extremely handsome, delicate, and charming. Women loved his tenderness, sentimentality, and good manners. Besides this, he naturally had a high political position, so the power he possessed must have been extremely attractive.
Stanisław took advantage of all these traits without scruples. He was aware of his attractiveness and therefore often met new women. Many of them had husbands who agreed to this and even found it convenient. Giving one’s wife into the king’s hands was then considered a kind of distinction. Additionally, they could give their surname to a royal child.
Poniatowski did not choose only wealthy women. He slept with both those affluent and highly positioned and those from lower social strata. Interestingly, he did not leave them with nothing afterward. Most often, he took care of women even after the romance ended. Many of them could also count on their own portraits, which hung in the royal palace.
Fiery Romance with Catherine the Great
We will probably never learn about many of Stanisław August Poniatowski’s mistresses, but some of them had enormous influence on his life and career. One such woman was precisely Catherine the Great.
How was it possible that a romance occurred between these two? Was it thanks to Catherine that Stanisław ascended to the throne? To answer these questions, one must go back to the very beginning of their acquaintance.
Stanisław traveled extensively around the world. As is known, while traveling one meets various people. This was also the case with the young aristocrat. On one of his expeditions, he met Charles Hanbury Williams. In 1755, Charles became ambassador in St. Petersburg, where he took Stanisław with him. Stanisław became not only his close friend but also gained the role of secretary.
This is precisely how Poniatowski ended up in Russia, and there he very quickly met Princess Catherine. Entering into a close relationship with her could prove extremely beneficial for the British. Who would be better suited for this than young and handsome Stanisław? He was placed in a situation without exit, and this is precisely how their romance began.
The goal was achieved, Catherine became an ally of the British. Stanisław became infatuated with her, but completely without reciprocation. Catherine was famous for her love of frequently changing lovers, and so it happened. She quickly found herself a new favorite, and Poniatowski was sidelined. Many historians claim that as consolation, she gave him the crown of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Old Love Does Not Rust
Stanisław did not forget about Elżbieta Izabela Czartoryska. He returned to Poland, ascended to the throne, and their relations became increasingly intimate. After some time, this acquaintance turned into a romance. Izabela’s husband knew about everything and made no problems. This is evidenced by the fact that he personally drove her to the king. From this romance, a daughter was born, and it was Izabela’s husband who acknowledged her as his own child.
Stanisław was not idle and at the same time entered into a close relationship with Izabela’s sister-in-law – Izabela Fleming Czartoryska. Elżbieta Izabela was furious because she did not have good contact with her sister-in-law. She always emphasized that she was ugly. Perhaps it pained her that Stanisław wanted to share a bed with a much less attractive woman than herself, or perhaps it was true jealousy over her beloved.
Stanisław August Poniatowski had many more mistresses. In his bedroom, he hosted not only wealthy and well-situated women but also those from lower spheres. He could take advantage of his position and did so without hesitation. Entering into a close relationship with the king was considered a privilege and reason for pride.
