Claude de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon

He was the second son of Louis de Rouvroy, Seigneur du Plessis (died 1643), who had been a warm supporter of Henri, Duke of Guise and the Catholic League.

Named first equerry in March 1627, he became in less than three years the captain of the châteaux of St-Germain and Versailles, master of the hounds, first gentleman of the bed-chamber, royal councillor and governor of Meulan and of Blaye.

[1] Despite the estrangement of later years, he had a true regard for the king, and he brought his son up to revere him as the model of kingship.

Having suffered disgrace for taking the part of his uncle, the baron of Saint Léger, after the capture of Catelet (15 August 1636), he retired to Blaye.

[1] He fought in the campaigns of 1638 and 1639, and after the death of Richelieu returned to court, where he was coldly received by the king (18 February 1643).