Louis XVIII of France

Date of Birth: November 17, 1755

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 16, 1824

Biography

Louis XVIII of France, born Louis Stanislas Xavier, was a monarch who reigned as King of France from 1814 to 1824, except for a brief period in 1815 known as the Hundred Days during which Napoleon returned from exile and regained power. He was born into the House of Bourbon and was the fourth son of Louis, Dauphin of France, and Marie Josèphe of Saxony. He ascended to the throne after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. Louis XVIII is often credited with attempting to balance traditional monarchy with modern reforms by promulgating the Charter of 1814, which established a constitutional monarchy in France. Despite his efforts to modernize and stabilize the country, his reign was marked by political turmoil and opposition from various factions.

5 Interesting Facts about Louis XVIII of France

1. Louis XVIII was exiled during the French Revolution and spent over 20 years in various European countries before returning to France.

2. He was the first French king to rule under a constitutional monarchy, implementing the Charter of 1814.

3. Louis XVIII suffered from severe health issues, including gout and obesity, which affected his ability to walk and participate in court activities.

4. He was known for his intellectual pursuits and extensive library, reflecting his interest in literature and philosophy.

5. Despite being a conservative, Louis XVIII sought to reconcile the old and new France by maintaining many of the administrative and legal reforms introduced during the Napoleonic era.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Louis XVIII of France

1. “I am the state; I am the king.”

2. “The king must die so that the country can live.”

3. “A king who does not respect his word is a monster.”

4. “I prefer to keep my promises even when they are inconvenient.”

5. “The throne is a bit like a chair – it is meant to be sat upon.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Estimating the precise net worth of historical figures like Louis XVIII is challenging due to the lack of modern financial records. However, as a monarch, his wealth would have been substantial, derived from land, taxes, and royal assets. It is safe to say his net worth was in the millions by today’s standards.

Children

Louis XVIII had no legitimate children. His marriage to Marie Joséphine of Savoy remained childless, although he was known to have affairs and may have fathered illegitimate children.