Why was Marie Antoinette known as Madame Deficit?

Because a queen in the old days could be a painfull budget entry. Put together clothing, hairdressing, staff, pension and staff, luxury and all the trappings of royalty. Add to that the fact that Marie Antoinette was a foreign princess in a foreign land. She was lonely, and aloof to the rigourous etiquette of Versailles. read more

Madame Du Barry wanted Marie Antoinette to speak to her desperately, but because Marie Antoinette (being the dauphine) was way higher in rank, it was not allowed for Madame Du Barry to speak to her first. read more

During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette was called “Madame Déficit” (Mrs. Budget Deficit) because she was held responsible for France’s financial crisis, due to her lavish lifestyle, and because she was against the socio-economic and financial reforms of Turgot and finance minister Necker. read more

Marie Antoinette's daughter, Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, Madame Royale, was born at Versailles on 19 December 1778. The child's paternity was contested in the libelles. read more

Add to that the fact that Marie Antoinette was a foreign princess in a foreign land. She was lonely, and aloof to the rigourous etiquette of Versailles. Imagine a reclusive queen, living in a purpose built palace near Versailles. read more