Henrietta Maria of France along with her sisters, in riding, dancing, and singing, and took part in French court plays. Although tutored in reading and writing, she was not known for her academic skills; the princess was heavily influenced by the Carmelites at French court. By 1622, Henrietta Maria was living in Paris with a household of some 200 staff, and marriage plans were being discussed. Henrietta Maria first met her future husband in Paris, in 1623, while he was travelling to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham to discuss a possible marriage with the Infanta Maria Anna of Spain – Charles first saw
Portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria, as St Catherine the BBC TV programme, "Fake or Fortune?". Philip Mould owned a portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria in a blue dress. This had been sold at Christie's on 24 January 2012. At that time it was described as being "after van Dyck". It was estimated at £4,000 - £6,000 but realised £8,750 (including buyer's premium). An X-ray suggested that Mould's portrait contained a smaller original which had been enlarged and over painted in the 18th century. Removal of the over-painting revealed an unfinished portrait of the Queen as St Catherine, which was subsequently attributed to Van Dyck at the conclusion of