First Gentlemen of the Chamber

There were four First Gentlemen of the Chamber who were each appointed on a yearly basis. Whenever the Grand Chamberlain was absent these First Gentlemen would assume his duties and had the right to ride in the King's carriage. They would personally hand over the list of those who could be admitted to the King to the Ushers and as such must have been rather sought-after men. Naturally, they were all to be of noble birth. Ever since 1757 the First Gentlemen were also responsible for the administration of the actors and the Italian Comédie.

Henri de Daillon, Duc de Lude -
First Gentleman of the Chamber 1653-1669

François Joachim Bernard Potier, Duc de Gesvres -
First Gentleman of the Chamber 1717-1757 

Emmanuel-Céleste de Durfort, Duc de Duras -
First Gentleman of the Chamber 1757-1789