Despite being born ‘on the wrong side of the blanket’, Charles II’s offspring were given all the benefits and luxuries you might expect for a king’s children. Titles, wealth, properties, land and good marriages ensured that they enjoyed all the benefits of their parentage without the downsides you may expect of illegitimacy. The only catch was, they couldn’t succeed to the throne… but who ever wanted that anyway..!?

See all the illegitimate children below, organised by mistress, and click through to read more about their stories.

Lucy Walter

Elizabeth Killigrew

Moll Davis

Catherine Pegge

Louise de Kerouaille

Nell Gwyn