4. The ‘Tour de Nesle’ Affair
In 1314, a scandal erupted within the French royal family, known as the ‘Tour de Nesle’ affair. Margaret, Blanche, and Joan, daughters-in-law of King Philip IV, were accused of adultery with knights Philippe and Gautier d’Aunay. The illicit meetings allegedly took place at the Tour de Nesle, a guard tower on the Seine River in Paris. The affair led to the imprisonment of the princesses and the execution of their lovers, severely damaging the Capetian dynasty’s reputation. This scandal contributed to the eventual downfall of the Capetian dynasty and the onset of the Hundred Years’ War. (nationalgeographic.com).
