Marie-Joséphine-Louise de Montaut-Navailles, born on August 3, 1773, in Paris and died on April 7, 1862, in the same city, was a French noblewoman renowned for serving as the governess to the Children of France during the Restoration.

Historical Chronicles: Secrets of the Great Royal Governesses
The Duchess of Gontaut-Biron:
The Art of Etiquette and Royal Devotion While the title “Mademoiselle” evokes refinement today, the French Restoration found its worthiest representative in Marie-Joséphine-Louise, Duchess of Gontaut-Biron. Appointed to the prestigious office of Governess to the Children of France, she was entrusted with the highly political mission of shaping the education, bearing, and values ​​of the Crown’s future heirs. A woman of keen intellect and rare distinction, the Duchess taught more than just languages ​​or history; she imparted the art of deportment and an innate sense of duty. Court etiquette demanded constant vigilance on her part, requiring the young princes to display exquisite politeness and absolute self-control, even in the smallest everyday actions. An anecdote revealing both grace and character: On the day of her official appointment, the Duchess had to swear a solemn oath of loyalty to the King before the entire Court. Protocol dictated that the role bound her “for life” and that the slightest transgression would render her liable to judgment by her peers. Far from being intimidated, she embraced her role with almost maternal affection, ultimately striking an unprecedented balance at Court: combining royal discipline with benevolence.