Filles du Roi (daughters of the kings)

In 1663, France sent 800 women, known as the “Filles du Roi(daughters of the kings), to Quebec to marry settlers. The initiative succeeded, in doubling the population within 10 years. Today, two-thirds of French Canadians can trace their ancestry back to these women.

The “Filles du Roi” program, initiated by King Louis XIV, aimed to address the gender imbalance in New France, which was predominantly populated by men such as soldiers, fur traders, and missionaries. Between 1663 and 1673, approximately 800 young women, mostly from humble backgrounds, were recruited to immigrate to the colony. The king sponsored their passage and provided them with a dowry to encourage marriage and family formation. These women were carefully selected, often requiring a letter of reference from their parish priest to ensure they were of good character and health.

Upon arrival, the “Filles du Roi” quickly integrated into the colony, with about 80% marrying within six months. Their presence significantly boosted the population, contributing to the establishment of stable family units and the growth of the colony. This initiative was highly successful, as evidenced by the fact that within a decade, the population of New France more than doubled. Today, it is estimated that two-thirds of French Canadians can trace their ancestry back to these pioneering women.

Author: Master Vikrant RohinMaster Vikrant Rohin is an international author, and more than four countries’ schools are using his books in the core curriculum of education. He is the author of twenty different subject books. History, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, English, Biology, Geography etc. Most of his students hold high-ranking positions in the public and private sectors. He has cracked the world’s toughest exam, the "Civil Services Examination (UPSC)," eight times. Always a topper in academics, he was also a top-class sportsman, a state boxer, and a basketball player.