Louis XVII of France

Born Louis Charles on March 27, 1785, as the second son of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. His birth was celebrated with great festivities, though France was already experiencing financial difficulties. He was immediately given the title Duke of Normandy.

Following the death of his elder brother Louis Joseph from tuberculosis on June 4, 1789, Louis Charles became the Dauphin, heir to the throne of France. This occurred just weeks before the storming of the Bastille would change France forever.

On October 5-6, 1789, a mob of Parisian women marched on Versailles demanding bread. The young Dauphin witnessed the terrifying night when rioters invaded the palace. The royal family was forced to return to Paris, never to see Versailles again.

The royal family lived as virtual prisoners in the Tuileries Palace. Despite the constraints, Louis Charles continued his education under the guidance of his mother. He showed early signs of intelligence and charm that endeared him to many.

On June 20-21, 1791, the royal family attempted to escape France. Disguised as servants, they traveled toward the border but were recognized and captured at Varennes. This failed escape permanently damaged the king's relationship with the French people.

Following the storming of the Tuileries on August 10, 1792, the royal family was imprisoned in the Temple, a medieval fortress. Louis Charles was separated from the life of privilege he had known and began his descent into suffering and isolation.

In December 1792, Louis Charles was separated from his father who was moved to a different part of the Temple. The young boy would never see his father again. Louis XVI was executed on January 21, 1793, making Louis Charles the titular King Louis XVII.

After Louis XVI's execution, royalists and foreign powers recognized the eight-year-old as King Louis XVII of France. However, he remained a prisoner of the Republic, unable to exercise any power. His uncle, the future Louis XVIII, served as regent in exile.

On July 3, 1793, Louis Charles was forcibly taken from his mother Marie Antoinette and placed in the care of the cobbler Antoine Simon. He would never see his mother again. She was executed on October 16, 1793, leaving him an orphan.

Under the brutal guardianship of Antoine Simon, Louis Charles endured physical and psychological abuse. Simon forced him to wear the red cap of revolution, sing revolutionary songs, and even testify falsely against his mother. This period scarred him deeply.

After Simon's departure in January 1794, Louis Charles was left almost entirely alone in a dark cell. For six months, no one spoke to him or properly cared for him. He suffered from malnutrition, disease, and profound neglect during this horrific period.

The fall of Robespierre in Thermidor (July 1794) brought some small improvements to Louis Charles's conditions. New guardians were assigned, but the damage to his health was already severe. Tuberculosis had begun to consume his weakened body.

In May 1795, the renowned surgeon Philippe-Jean Desault was finally allowed to examine Louis Charles. He was horrified by the boy's condition, describing him as suffering from severe tuberculosis. Desault died mysteriously soon after, fueling conspiracy theories.

By early June 1795, Louis Charles was clearly dying. He suffered from tumors, malnutrition, and advanced tuberculosis. Despite his suffering, he reportedly maintained a quiet dignity. New doctor Philippe-Jean Pelletan could do nothing to save him.

Louis XVII died on June 8, 1795, at approximately 3:00 PM, alone in his cell at the Temple prison. He was only ten years old. His heart was secretly removed during autopsy and eventually enshrined at Saint-Denis in 2004. His death ended the direct Bourbon line.

Louis XVII's death spawned numerous pretenders claiming to be the 'Lost Dauphin' who had escaped. Over 100 individuals claimed his identity over the following century. DNA testing in 2000 finally confirmed the heart at Saint-Denis was authentic, proving he died in the Temple.