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EL PARAISO: A HUMILIATION OF PLEASURES
| JLILLIE LANGTRY "Lillie Langtry went from wearing only one dress to being acknowledged leader of fashion, from being socially inept to society's "must have" and when she lost favour and was nearly bankrupt she re-invented herself as an actress and entrepreneur." About Lillie Langtry On October 13th, 1853 the Reverend William Corbet Le Breton and his wife Emilie had a daughter, Emilie Charlotte, at the rectory St Saviours Jersey. With six boisterous brothers she could hardly grow up to be anything but a tomboy, joining in their pranks, riding bareback on the beaches and beautiful countryside of Jersey. Her brothers did not want any silly girl spoiling their fun and this imbued her with a toughness of spirit that didn't allow the weakness of tears. This stood her in good stead for the rest of her life. Emilie, nicknamed Lillie, in her early teens was acknowledged as the most beautiful girl on the Island of Jersey. She had many admirers, one suitor asked her father for her hand in marriage only to be told that she hadn't yet reached her fifteenth birthday. Unbeknown to her father, Lillie would not consider marrying a local she had much broader horizons. Lillie was captivated by what she heard about London’s' high society and was desperate to escape what she considered to be the confines of the small island of Jersey. Lillie's salvation came in 1874 in the form of Edward Langtry, a gentleman of independent means, who owned a magnificent yacht called the Red Gauntlet. Much to the consternation of her family Lillie announced that she was going to marry Edward Langtry and live with him in his substantial home in Southampton. Even at this stage of her life she had her detractors disappointed ex suitors, jealous local girls, and even one or two of her brothers, who implied that she was more interested in Edward Langtry for his yacht than his looks. Her escape to England proved not to be the success she had hoped for - Edward would go off on his own devices leaving her alone in the house with only the servants for company. She got very bored and soon contracted typhoid fever becoming dangerously ill for several weeks. During her fight for life her doctor became very fond of his beautiful patient she confided in him that she desired more than anything to go to London. With this in mind the doctor persuaded her husband that she needed a complete change and that fulfilling her wish to go to London would speed up Lillie’s recovery. At last Lillie had achieved her ambition. She was in London the hub of the world where she would undoubtedly blossom. Soon after Lillie’s arrival in London her younger brother Reggie was killed in a riding accident. Lillie in mourning for her brother was invited to a reception by one her fathers friends the 7th Viscount Ranelagh at his home in Lownes Square. She wore a simple black figure hugging dress which complemented her pale complexion. She was such a contrast the other ladies present, in their beautifully tailored and colorful evening gowns. It was evident to all that here was a young woman of natural beauty. The distinguished gathering included a cross section of London's' society elite including many artists. Frank Miles and Everett Millais both asked if she would sit for them. The impatient Miles took out his sketchpad and made a line drawing of her so that he could capture the moment of her discovery. Dinner guests were impressed not only by Lillie’s looks but her intelligent conversation outspoken views and wit. Her days of verbal sparing with her brothers and her fathers insistence on a classical education, the usual reserve of young gentlemen, was a refreshing change. Within the week talk in London was of nothing else. Albert Edward the Prince of Wales and his inner circle of friends Known as "The Marlborough Set" were considered to be the pinnacle of London society they were the elite and anyone who was anyone longed to be accepted by the Prince and therefore his followers. It was not long before the news of Lillie’s meteoric rise to fame was bought to the Princes attention and he desired to meet this woman famed for her violet eyes, intelligence and sense of humor. A discreet dinner party was arranged at Sir Allen Young's London home. Mrs. Langtry was sat next to the Prince whilst her husband was put up the other end of the table. Edward Langtry had no choice but to follow protocol and made no objections. The Prince, 'Bertie' as he was known to his friends, was captivated by Lillie. She was unlike any woman that he knew, she did not seem overawed by him or any other man for that matter. He realized that unlike many women of her day she was knowledgeable, diplomatic and forthright on a whole host of topics. The Prince was a well-known philanderer having several affairs, but only with married women. His wife Princess Alexandra was aware of his mistresses, but as duty dictated she ignored his diversions. Bertie contrived to have Edward Langtry invited on sailing trips and fishing holidays in Scotland hosted by the Princes friends. With her husband otherwise engaged Lillie soon became the Prince's mistress to the exclusion of all others. The Prince is reputed to have fallen out with Lillie during a fancy dress dinner party where she came down in the same outfit as him and when he protested that it wasn't the done thing she put ice down his back. Lillie refused to apologize as advised by her friends and overnight became a social outcast, invitations were withdrawn and creditors sensing a shift in Lillie’s fortunes pressed her to settle her accounts urgently. Edward Langtry was not as wealthy as was first thought and his fortune was not enough to sustain Lillie’s new lifestyle, he was socially inept, their marriage was effectively over and as a result he took to drinking heavily. Lillie on the verge of bankruptcy realized that she needed a job, a way of being independent, she took advice from many of her friends but she soon realized that her options were limited. It was through her love of theatre and her connection with the Prince that Lillie met and became friends with the world famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. The divine Sarah not one to hide her own light under a bushel, persuaded Lillie who wanted to be known for more than being a professional beauty (and a future kings mistress) to become an actress and capitalize on her fame. Lillie's plight made her even more famous and she played to full houses wherever she appeared on stage. Her career soon blossomed, critics acknowledged that she had a unique presence and certainly brought something to any role she undertook. The Prince forgave Lillie and would come to her opening nights encouraging his friends to do the same, occasionally he would help her with her lines however their relationship would never be the same again they were now more friends than lovers. Lillie died on February 12th, 1929 and was buried at St Saviours church Jersey. Newspapers headlines pronounced The End on an Era. Lillie Langtry Fun Facts: * After the King Edward V11 passed away in 1910 Queen Alexandra personally returned to Lillie the numerous letters that she had sent the Prince. * George Bernard Shaw said "I resent Mrs Langtry, She has no right to be intelligent, daring and independent, as well as lovely. It is a frightening combination of attributes." * Whilst playing a Texas theatre, the Judge sent Lillie a real live bear. Fortunately for her though, the bear escaped when the cage was opened to show her the unique gift. Lillie Links: |
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