Henry allowed Catherine almost no political influence as queen.Morris, 247 Although she sometimes acted as regent during his absences from France, her formal powers were strictly nominal.Knecht, Catherine de' Medici, 42–43. Henry even gave the Château of Chenonceau, which Catherine had wanted for herself, to his mistress Diane de Poitiers instead, who took her place at the center of power, dispensing patronage and accepting favors. The imperial ambassador reported that in the presence of guests, Henry would sit on Diane's lap and play the guitar, chat about politics, or fondle her breasts.Knecht, Catherine de' Medici, 38. Diane never regarded Catherine as a threat. She even encouraged the king to spend more time with Catherine and sire more children.
Henry allowed Catherine almost no political influence as queen.Morris, 247 Altho:ugh she sometimes acted as regent during his absences from France, her formal powers were strictly nominal.Knecht, Catherine de' Medici, 42–43. Henry even gave the Château of Chenonceau, which Catherine had wanted for h?erself, to his mistress Diane de Poitiers instead, who took her place at the center of power, dispensing patronage and accepting favors. The imperial ambassador reported that in the presence of guests, Henry would sit on ?Diane's lap and play the guitar, chat about politics, or fondle her breasts.Knecht, Catherine de' Medici, 38. Diane never regarded Catherine as a threat. She even encouraged the king to spend more time with Catherine and sire more children.