Charles François de Broglie, Marquis of Ruffec facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles François de Broglie
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| Marquis of Ruffec | |
Broglie by Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, c. 1757
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| Born | 19 August 1719 Paris, France |
| Died | 16 August 1781 (aged 61) Saint-Jean-d'Angély, France |
| Buried | Angouleme Cathedral |
| Noble family | House of Broglie |
| Wife | Louise Augustine de Montmorency |
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| Father | François Marie de Broglie, Duke of Broglie |
| Mother | Thérèse Gillette Locquet de Grandville |
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Charles François de Broglie, Marquis of Ruffec (born August 19, 1719 – died August 16, 1781) was an important French soldier and diplomat. He belonged to a famous noble family called the House of Broglie.
He served in the French Army and became one of the most important diplomats for King Louis XV. He is best known for his role in something called the Secret du Roi, which was the king's secret spy network.
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Charles François de Broglie's Life
Charles François was the second son of François-Marie, Duke of Broglie. Because he was a son of a Duke, he was given the special title of Marquis de Ruffec. This was a courtesy title, meaning it was used out of respect for his family.
After serving as an officer in the French military, he started working as a diplomat for King Louis XV. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.
His Diplomatic and Military Roles
From 1752 to 1756, Charles François de Broglie was the special Ambassador to Poland. He was called back to France when the Seven Years' War began. This was a big war that involved many European countries.
During his career, he received several important titles. In 1757, he became a Chevalier des Ordres du Roi, which means "Knight of the King's Orders." In 1760, he was promoted to Lieutenant-General in the army.
He also served as the Commandant of Franche-Comté from 1761 to 1762. After the war ended, he became the Governor of Saumurois in 1770. He was also the Premier Colonel of the Grenadiers, a special type of soldier.
The King's Secret Network
Charles François de Broglie is most famous for his work with the Secret du Roi. This was a secret spy and diplomatic service run by King Louis XV himself. It was separate from the official government.
Broglie was the most skilled and important person in this secret network. He helped the king gather information and carry out secret plans without the knowledge of his own government ministers.
Supporting the American Revolution
In 1775, the Marquis de Broglie organized a famous dinner called the Diner de Metz. At this dinner, a young French nobleman named Marquis de La Fayette met the Duke of Gloucester, who was the brother of King George III of Britain.
The Duke of Gloucester talked about the American colonists' fight for independence. He helped convince La Fayette that the Americans were right to revolt. This meeting inspired La Fayette to go to America and help them fight for freedom.
Broglie-Ruffec also worked with a writer named Pierre Beaumarchais. Together, they came up with a plan to secretly help the American Revolution in its early days. This secret support was very important for the Americans.
His Final Resting Place
Charles François de Broglie's funeral monument is located in the Angouleme Cathedral. There is also a portrait of him, painted in 1762, at the Château de Bourdeilles.
Family Life
On March 21, 1759, Charles François de Broglie married Louise Augustine de Montmorency. She lived from 1735 to 1817. They had three daughters together.
His Children
- Louise (1760–1827)
- Philippine de Broglie (1762–1843)
- Adelaide Charlotte de Broglie (1763–1847)
See also
- List of Ambassadors of France to the Kingdom of Great Britain
