As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

I realize that I had always in my heart of hearts planned to write a biography of Marie Antoinette.

I can't read historical fiction because I find the real thing so much more interesting.

The clue to book jacket photography is to look friendly and approachable, but not too glamorous.

I think there's a tremendous split between people who've been through a war and people who haven't.

I'm very interested in good and evil and the moral natures of people.

I have seen all, I have heard all, I have forgotten all. marie antoinette