It is alleged that the count made Anne his mistress because of his anger over his wife's love for Marguerite de Gourbillon.

Anne's husband, who protested against their relationship, was declared insane and imprisoned in a mental asylum by the count.

[2] Anne de Balbi played a leading role in the French emigree court of Koblenz as one of the women termed as the 'Queens of the Emigration' alongside the Princess of Monaco and Louise de Polastron, and was courted for her influence over Louis Stanislaus, who was proclaimed French regent in exile.

[2] She gave regular receptions in the house she was provided near the residence of Louis, and because it was well known that he confided in her and that she acted as his political advisor, she was courted by foreign diplomats, and reportedly had particularly closed connections with the Russian envoy.

[2] The Comte de Neuilly described her in this period: Reportedly, she had a fierce temperament and resented rivals over her influence with the count of Provence, and her rivalry with his other favorite, Duke d'Avaray, was well-known and caused scenes on some occasions.