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What role did Anne of Austria play in Jules Mazarin's rise to power?

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Jules, Cardinal Mazarin Jules, Cardinal Mazarin, detail of a portrait by Philippe de Champaigne; in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.

Anne of Austria was instrumental in the rise of Jules Mazarin to power by selecting him as her first minister immediately upon becoming the sole regent for her son, Louis XIV, in 1643.1

Determined to maintain the absolute authority established by Cardinal de Richelieu, Anne sought a capable successor to manage the state. Although she lacked political experience, she felt a strong personal attraction to Mazarin, whom she found charming and eloquent. Consequently, she accepted his counsel without question.12

Their partnership was defined by deep devotion, leading some historians to speculate they were secretly married, though such a union remains unproven. Throughout the political turmoil of the Fronde, Anne remained steadfastly loyal to Mazarin; even when forced by rebels to dismiss him in 1651, she continued to follow his instructions to divide her enemies, eventually facilitating his return to power.12