Who are the filles du roi?

The "Filles du Roi," or "Daughters of the King," were young women sent to New France (present-day Canada) in the 17th century by the French crown to help populate the colony. Sponsored by King Louis XIV, these women were primarily orphans or impoverished girls who were offered dowries and support to marry settlers. Their arrival significantly contributed to the growth of the French population in North America and played a crucial role in establishing families and communities in the region.