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Marie-Louise: Life, Marriage, and Legacy

May 7, 2025

Marie-Louise of Austria

Early Life

  • Birth: Born on December 12, 1791, in Vienna.
  • Parents: Francis II (Holy Roman Emperor) and Maria Theresa of Naples, related to Marie-Antoinette.
  • Upbringing: Raised by governesses, experienced a bourgeois upbringing.
  • Exile Influence: Family exile in 1805 due to Napoleon's campaigns, leading to a dislike of France and Napoleon.

Marriage to Napoleon

  • Rumors of Marriage: In 1809, rumors circulated about Napoleon seeking a bride following Austria's defeat.
  • Reluctance: Marie-Louise was initially against marrying Napoleon but resigned to her fate to serve state interests.
  • Marriage Ceremony: Official proposal made on March 8, 1810; marriage by procuration on March 11, religious ceremony in Paris on April 2.

Role as Empress

  • Empress Title: Became Empress of the French upon marriage.
  • Birth of Heir: Gave birth to a son, titled King of Rome, on March 20, 1811.
  • Duties: Lived a life of ceremony and etiquette, fulfilled representative duties.

Political and Personal Challenges

  • Regency: Acted as regent in 1813 during Napoleon's campaigns but with limited power.
  • Separation: After Napoleon left for Elba, she returned to Austria, influenced by her father and Comte de Neipperg.

Life in Parma

  • Duchess of Parma: Became Duchess as per the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
  • Governance: Ruled benevolently with Neipperg's assistance.
  • Marriages: Married Neipperg in 1821; after his death, married Comte de Bombelles in 1834.
  • Death: Died on December 17, 1847, buried in Vienna.

Legacy

  • The duchy of Parma returned to the House of Bourbon-Parma post her death.

References

  • Various historical correspondences and writings cited for detailed accounts.