Louis XVIII, also known as the Desired, was born on November 17, 1755, in Versailles, France. He was the grandson of King Louis XV and originally held the title of Count of Provence. After the execution of his brother, King Louis XVI, during the French Revolution, Louis XVIII proclaimed himself as King of France. He was second in line for the throne after his two eldest brothers passed away.
Louis XVIII's reign as King of France lasted from 1814 to 1824. However, his time in power was not uninterrupted. He spent a total of 23 years in exile, including periods during the French Revolution, the First French Empire, and a brief period due to the Hundred Days in 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte returned to power.
During the Napoleonic era, Louis XVIII lived in exile in Prussia, England, and Russia. His reign is notable for the rise of the Doctrinaires, who were advocates for constitutional monarchy, as well as for his involvement in the Quintuple Alliance and military intervention in Spain.
Louis XVIII's marriage to Princess Maria Giuseppina of Savoy was troubled. The marriage remained unconsummated for years due to his disgust with his wife's poor hygiene habits. Additionally, he did not get along with his brother, King Louis XVI, and his wife Marie Antoinette.
Despite attempts to start a family, Louis XVIII and Princess Maria Giuseppina experienced two miscarriages. This left Louis XVIII without a direct heir, leading to his succession by his youngest brother, the Count of Artois, who became King Charles X after his death.
Louis XVIII's reign was marked by political instability and conflict, particularly with Napoleon Bonaparte. His underestimation of Napoleon's attack during the Hundred Days in 1815 led to a second victory over the French Empire.
After his death in 1824, Louis XVIII was remembered for his attempts to restore stability to France after years of revolution and war. His legacy remains tied to the turbulent times in which he ruled and his efforts to navigate the challenges of the Napoleonic era.
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