Louis XVII of France

Q: What was mysterious about Louis XVII?

A mystery has persisted surrounding Louis XVII's alleged survival; after the French Revolution, no fewer than 40 people came forward claiming to be him. But a DNA test conducted in 1999 proved that Louis XVII did indeed die in 1795, discrediting the theories that he survived the Revolution.

Q: Did Louis XVII of France reign as king?

Louis XVII of France was never coronated and never actually reigned as king; the years of his "reign" were 1793-95, when France was a republic. He was king in name only, recognized by royalists who did not wish to recognize the existence of a French Republic.

Q: How did Louis XVII of France die?

Louis XVII of France died after nearly three years of imprisonment of scrofula, a form of tuberculosis; he was only 10 years old.

Harrison W. Mark

Celebrate Our Anniversary with Trivia!

Join us on August 23 for a free virtual trivia party featuring questions about ancient civilizations, U.S. history, unusual historical facts, pop culture, and more.

$286 / $5000

Definition

Louis XVII of France was the regnal name of Louis-Charles de France (l. 1785-1795), the younger son of King Louis XVI of France (r. 1774-1792) and Queen Marie Antoinette (l. 1755-1793). Although Louis-Charles never actually reigned as king, he was recognized by royalists as France's legitimate monarch upon the execution of his father during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

More about: Louis XVII of France

Timeline

27 Mar 1785 - 8 Jun 1795
Life of Louis-Charles, dauphin of France, recognized by royalists as King Louis XVII.
4 Jun 1789
The death of Louis-Joseph, the 7-year-old dauphin of France, is overshadowed by the dramatic events of the Estates-General.
20 Jun 1791 - 21 Jun 1791
The Flight to Varennes, an attempted escape by the French royal family from Paris, is foiled; public disdain for the monarchy increases.
13 Aug 1792
The family of Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette are imprisoned in the Tower of the Temple.
21 Jan 1793
King Louis XVI of France, now known as Citizen Louis Capet, is executed by guillotine.
16 Oct 1793
Marie Antoinette is executed by guillotine at the Place de la Révolution.