Double standards

[scripsi]

Still tripping on Versailles and with that some brushing up on the real history. The show does takes liberties with it, though in a way I can handle and enjoy, but it’s also always interesting to know what really went down. (The show simplifies the timeline, makes facts of rumours and twist some character dynamics to make better drama.) And came across this curious display of double standard.

Philippe d’Orange who was the younger brother of Louis XIV had several lovers before and during his marriage. His wife, Henrietta of England flirted openly with the king and slept with one of her husband’s lovers (and might have been the king's lover too). Who was the worst of them? I would say both behaved badly as far as vows go, but it was also a political marriage and neither of them was in love with the other. Also, Phillippe preferred to sleep with men. So is it so odd if both of them displayed interest in other people? Well, according to this blog article I read, Henrietta is to be completely condemned for behaving so badly against poor Philippe, but there is not a single harsh word against Philippe. I don’t get it. Is it because Henrietta was a woman?