Are the French Bourbon and Bonaparte Royal Families Celebrated Outside of France?

The French Royal Families, including the Bourbon and Bonaparte lines, maintain a presence and some level of celebration among segments of the French diaspora. However, the extent and nature of this celebration vary.

Bourbon Royal Family

The Bourbons, who ruled France for several centuries, have descendants who are sometimes recognized by royalists and traditionalists, particularly in communities that value monarchical traditions. Events such as royalist gatherings, commemorations of historical events, and celebrations of Catholic feast days often include references to the Bourbon lineage.

Some French expatriates or descendants express support for the Bourbons as a symbol of national identity and heritage, recognizing their significant contributions to French history. This support is not a mainstream issue, but rather a niche interest within the broader French community.

House of Bonaparte

The Bonaparte family, descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte, also have a following, particularly among those who admire Napoleon’s legacy and his impact on France and Europe. The Bonapartists celebrate events related to Napoleon, such as his rise to power and significant battles. Some may participate in commemorative events or societies dedicated to preserving his memory.

The admiration for Napoleon remains a topic of discussion, especially in the context of historical and cultural significance. However, post-World War I and II, the romanticism surrounding warfare and military glory has diminished, which affects the current enthusiasm for Bonapartist ideals.

Overall Sentiment

While there are celebrations and recognition, these families do not hold any political power in modern France. The broader French diaspora may not actively celebrate these families, but they can be significant for specific groups who identify with royalist or Bonapartist ideals.

Currently, discussions about the legitimacy of the Bourbon and Bonaparte lines are often linked to niche historical and political groups. The légitimistes, who support the line of Charles X, and the orléanistes, who support Louis-Philippe d’Orléans, have ongoing disputes. The légitimistes argue that the succession law should be strictly followed, while the orléanistes believe that the Utrecht Treaty of 1713 should be the deciding factor. These debates are rarely mainstream and are often associated with radical Catholic or far-right elements.

The authors of this article hold a more critical view of the current pretenders from these lines and do not believe they would be suitable for the throne. War and its romanticized aspects have lost much of their appeal, especially after the World Wars, and the idea of monarchy being reestablished in a republican France is not a common view.

While there is a certain poignancy in celebrating the military glories of the past, such as in the song Te souviens-tu, the times have changed, and the glorification of military conquests is less fashionable in modern times.