The Obscured Truth: Imposters Cloning Louis XVII After the French Monarchs' Uutions

Any reign that ends in an irregular manner tends to spawn pretenders and reported sightings. Notable among these are cases like Perkin Warbeck, the False Dimitri, Pugachev, and even nineteenth-century Russian imposters claiming to be Princess Anastasia and Tsar Alexander I. Surprisingly, the fate of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI—which have acquired legendary status—has not left the same mark as has the legend surrounding their son, Louis XVII, and the numerous imposters who appeared claiming to be the missing young prince.

The Life and Annuity of Young Louis-Charles

Born into a privileged existence within the lavish confines of Versailles, Louis-Charles was the third child of Marie Antoinette. His birth coincided with the rising disapproval of his mother Marie Antoinette, whose popularity plummeted in the lead-up to the French Revolution. It is no wonder, then, that the upheaval and eventual uutions of his parents opened the door for imposters and pretenders to step forward and claim that Louis XVII was still alive.

Motive: Money and Power

I suppose they wanted the money and title that would come through an inheritance. It’s a familiar story, especially in the annals of royal families that have experienced uutions. Just remember the case of the Tsar’s family in Russia, where imposters claimed to be Anastasia or Alexi.

Analysis of Pretenders and Political Implications

The motives of these imposters were primarily financial and political. As the decades passed, several imposters arose, each claiming to be the surviving son of the executed royal couple. The reality, however, was different: each claim lacked sufficient evidence and support to emerge as a significant political force. Take, for instance, the case of Louis Stanislas, Count of Provence, who eventually ascended the throne as Louis XVIII only after agreeing to a constitutional monarchy, something he had initially resisted.

When Louis Stanislas arrived in Paris after Napoleon's departure, he styled himself as Louis XVIII. The French Senate agreed to his claiming the throne on the condition that he recognize the Republic's constitution and the Imperial constitution. However, Louis Stanislas, a man renowned for his corpulence and arrogance, insisted on his divine right as an absolute monarch. The British, the primary Allied power, insisted on a constitutional monarchy, something Louis Stanislas hesitated to accept. This hesitation created a brief period where there was a possibility of someone else seizing the throne.

The Autopsy and Denouement

On 9 June 1795, an autopsy was conducted by Philippe-Jean Pelletan, a physician working for the Committee of Public Safety, on the corpse of a child approximately 10 years old. This was likely to determine whether this was the remains of Louis XVII. However, the evidence was inconclusive, as none of the supposed survivors of Louis XVII were deemed sufficiently plausible to gain significant political support.

By the time Louis Stanislas finally agreed to be a constitutional king and was duly crowned on 3 May 1814, the Bourbon line had secured the throne. His subsequent reign was marked by efforts to assert his version of authority over the new constitutional order, which proved to be a tossup battle.

Conclusion and Legacy

The memory of Louis XVII and the countless imposters who claimed to be him remains shadowy and largely forgotten in the hue of more famous events from the French Revolution. However, their existence adds an enigmatic layer to the story of the Bourbon dynasty's recovery, showcasing the lengths to which pretenders would go in pursuit of money and power. Even after two centuries, the legend of Louis XVII stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with royalty and the pursuit of grandeur.