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The fate of Louis XVII: Is he really the heir to the throne?
Louis XVII, formerly known as Louis Charles, was born in 1785. He was the youngest son of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette of France. After the death of his brother Louis Joseph, he became the new crown prince; however, his fate was fraught with tragedy, sparking controversy over his true identity.
In 1793, when Louis XVI was executed, Louis Charles was automatically regarded by the royalists as the new French King Louis XVII, but he died of illness in captivity and never truly took power.
Early life and path to the throne
Louis Charles spent his early life at the Palace of Versailles. His parents, especially his mother, often took care of him personally, but with the outbreak of the French Revolution, all this changed dramatically. When they were forced to move from Versailles to the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1789, Louis Charles and his family lived in confinement, facing constant surveillance and humiliation.
In October 1789, violent Parisian people forced the royal family to move to Paris. They were subsequently placed under the surveillance of the National Guard, and life became increasingly difficult.
Potential escape plan from captivity
As the royal family's dilemma intensified, many escape plans emerged. In 1793, Louis Charles was transferred to the care of Antoine Simon, which raised questions about the ill-treatment he suffered. Many reports accuse the Simons of cruel treatment of the little prince, but the truth and actual situation are difficult to confirm.
Although royal supporters claim that the young prince suffered abuse, many eyewitness testimonies do not support this claim.
The battle between life and death and the royal family
In 1795, Louis Charles died of ill health. Following his death, rumors began to circulate, with many believing that he was not really dead, and the legend became known as the "Lost Crown Prince." The restored Bourbons were followed by hundreds of candidates calling themselves Louis XVII.
His heart, which was pulled out during an autopsy and later smuggled out, has been the focus of research and has kept his identity controversial.
The fog of identity and subsequent research
In 2000, DNA testing of Louis Charles' heart confirmed its identity, providing conclusive evidence that it was the heart of Louis XVII. This discovery sparked discussion about its true fate and had a profound impact on subsequent historical interpretations.
All this highlights the complexity and controversy of the throne succession issue: How should Louis XVII’s true status in history be defined?
Summary
In short, the image of Louis XVII in history is both tragic and troubled. Although his life was short, it caused countless thoughts and discussions during this period. Is he really the legitimate heir to the throne? How should his fate be defined?
Does the story of Louis XVII change our understanding of history and kingship?
