The most famous quote of the 18th century, "let them eat cake," was never said by Marie Antoinette. It was written by Rousseau before she even reached France, making it the ultimate piece of historical fake news that has survived for centuries.

This deep dive strips away the propaganda, caricatures, and gossip to trace the real life of an Austrian girl manufactured for a geopolitical marriage who became a fashion icon, backroom political player, and ultimately a scapegoat at the guillotine.

• Her aggressive rebranding, from straightened teeth to a new walk, to be accepted at Versailles
• The seven-year unconsummated marriage that left her position dangerously vulnerable
• How a simple muslin dress crashed the French silk industry and fueled public anger
• The affair of the diamond necklace, which she was innocent  ...