The Fate of Napoleon's Second Wife Post-Exile

Ridley Scott's Napoleon primarily focuses on the relationship between the famous emperor and his first wife Josephine. However, the film briefly touches on his second marriage to Archduchess Marie Louise (played by Anna Mawn) without delving into what happened to her after Napoleon's exile. In the movie, Marie Louise gives birth to a son after Napoleon and Josephine part ways, resolving the issue of imperial succession. Despite her limited presence in the film, the real Marie Louise has a captivating history.

Marie Louise's relationship with Napoleon, as hinted in the movie, was complex. They were married in a proxy ceremony in Austria in 1810, with Napoleon being represented by Marie Louise's uncle. This led her to become both the Empress of the French and the Queen of Italy. Historical records show that Marie Louise was more reserved than Josephine, which at times caused friction in her marriage to Napoleon. Although her writings suggest genuine affection between them, their relationship faced challenges due to Napoleon's initial exile to Elba.

Marie Louise Became Duchess Of Several Countries After Napoleon's Exile

Split image of Anna Mawn and Archduchess Marie-Louise - Marie Louise Became Duchess Of Several Countries After Napoleon's Exile

After Napoleon abdicated the French throne in 1814 at Fontainebleau, Marie Louise found herself in a difficult position. Initially leaving Paris at Napoleon's request, she was allowed to maintain her imperial rank following the Treaty of Fontainebleau. In addition to this, she was granted control over the duchies of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla. Although the terms were later altered to prevent her son from inheriting the titles, this solidified Marie Louise's status after Napoleon's first exile. While these titles were significant, they were not the only important developments in her life.

Marie Louise Remarried After Napoleon's Death

Napoleon on his deathbed as he is surrounded by a grieving audience - Marie Louise Remarried After Napoleon's Death

When Napoleon was exiled to Elba, Marie Louise began a relationship with Count Adam Albert von Neipperg. Neipperg was originally sent to Elba to prevent Marie Louise from reuniting with her husband on the island. Despite opposition from both the French and Austrian sides, the two soon became lovers.

After Napoleon briefly returned in 1815, his defeat at Waterloo, subsequent exile to Saint Helena, and eventual death in May 1821 left Marie Louise free to marry Neipperg. She married him three months after Napoleon's passing. However, their marriage was complicated by their unequal social status, leading them to marry morganatically. Additionally, Marie Louise and Neipperg had two illegitimate children before 1821, which strained her relationship with her son, Napoleon II. Neipperg passed away in 1829, leaving Marie Louise devastated.

When Marie Louise Died

Anna Mawn in Napoleon as Marie Louise - When Marie Louise Died

After Neipperg's death, Marie Louise found herself involved in several significant events. In 1831, she was part of the Carbonari revolts in Parma against Grand Chamberlain Werklein. Werklein was eventually replaced by Charles-René de Bombelles, a French emigré, after Austrian troops were sent in. Marie Louise and Bombelles quickly developed a close relationship and got married just six months after his arrival in 1833. They remained married until Marie Louise passed away in 1847.

Marie Louise's death in 1847 is well-documented. She fell ill on December 9th and her condition rapidly worsened, leading to her passing on December 17th. The cause of death was determined to be pleurisy. Her body was taken from Italy to Vienna, where she was laid to rest in the Imperial Crypt. While the movie focused primarily on Napoleon, it's important to note that Marie Louise had a captivating life beyond her connection with the emperor.

Editor's P/S:

The article offers a glimpse into the intriguing life of Marie Louise, Napoleon's second wife, whose story is often overshadowed by the emperor's. It reveals that Marie Louise was a resilient woman who navigated complex political and personal situations with grace and determination. Her marriage to Napoleon, while initially distant, evolved into a relationship of genuine affection, despite the challenges they faced. Marie Louise's adaptability is evident in her ability to secure her future after Napoleon's exile, becoming the Duchess of Parma and later remarrying. The article highlights the strength and resilience of women in history, who often played significant roles despite the limitations imposed on them.

Marie Louise's journey also serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships. Her love for Napoleon was tempered by the realities of their political marriage, while her later relationship with Neipperg was marked by both passion and societal disapproval. The article challenges the traditional narrative that reduces women to mere accessories in the lives of famous men, presenting Marie Louise as a multifaceted individual with her own agency and desires. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the enduring legacy of women who shaped history.