Truth and fiction
Blue shoes or no, the truth is that Carl Eugen had many different affairs in his life as an absolutist ruler, and in this way, he was not very different from other sovereigns of the time. He was constantly accompanied by different mistresses: "Maitresse en titre" (chief mistress) was an official position at court, and was generally acknowledged and very coveted. Whether or not the women accommodated his demands willingly is not known. In any event, his wife, Elisabeth Friederike, returned to live with her parents after a few years of marriage, possibly because of the numerous affairs. However, it is also interesting to note that the duke cared for his illegitimate children. Depending on rank and lineage, the mistresses were given a one-time sum and their grown sons were offered a military position, while their daughters were given a dowry for marriage.