Paul F S Dermoncourt

The Rebellious Duchess: the Adventures of the Duchess of Berri and Her Attempt to Overthrow French Monarchy - Women & Conflict Paul F S Dermoncourt

Putting all at risk in a great game of power

Princess Marie Caroline married King Louis the Eighteenth of France's nephew-the Duke of Berri (or Berry) shortly after the final defeat of Napoleon and the second restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. Widowed by assassination in 1820 she became a leading figure in the Bourbon court, but had to flee the country in 1830 when Louis's successor-and her father-in-law, Charles the Tenth-was deposed during the July Revolution. The red-haired duchess was never one to take such a set-back lying down and she determined to promote a popular uprising which would topple the Orleanist dynasty and restore the 'legitimate' Bourbon one of which she was a pivotal component. She returned to France in secret to lead an uprising in the Vendee which soon turned sour leaving her a fugitive running for her life. This is the story of a remarkable and strong willed woman who attempted nothing less than the overthrow of a kingdom.