THE amazing story of Princess Henrietta of England has gone on display at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, with a series of paintings and engravings paying tribute to her life.

The collection, titled "Minette" after the affectionate nickname bestowed by her brother, includes a showpiece full-length portrait of the 17th-century princess by French artist Jean Nocret.

Smuggled from England to France during the English Civil War, the Catholic Henrietta married the brother of Louis XIV and used her charm and flair for politics to play a key role in negotiating a secret alliance between the French and English monarchs.

Picture: Gordon Terris