Louis XVII of France Facts for Kids

Louis XVII of France (Louis Charles; 27 March 1785 - 8 June 1795) was the King of France and Navarre from 1793 to 1795. He never actually ruled. He is also known as Louis Charles, Duke of Normandy and Fils de France (son of France).

Louis Charles of France was born at the Palace of Versailles. He was the second son and the third child of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of France. He became Dauphin of France after the death of his elder brother Louis Joseph in 1789.

As a child he and his parents took a trip to Normandy and in honour of the well received visit the young prince was given the title of Duke of Normandy.

After his father's death, he became what they called "King of France" while exiled with his mother. In 1795, he died of an unknown causes during the French Revolution. An autopsy was carried out at the prison. Following a tradition of preserving royal hearts, his heart was taken out. It was kept by the one of the examining doctors, Philippe-Jean Pelletan.

Louis Charles's body was buried in a mass grave. Dr. Pelletan was also shocked at all the scars from bad-treatment towards Louis, such as whipping, all over the front and back of him, as well as on his arms, legs, and feet.

Images for kids

Baptismal certificate, Parish of Notre-Dame
Louis XVI taking care of the education of his son in the Temple, (Musée de la Révolution française)
Louis Charles by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun
Louis XVII
Heart of Louis XVII inside a crystal urn
The grave supposed to be that of Louis XVII; Église Sainte-Marguerite, Paris

Louis XVII of France facts for kids

Images for kids

See also