Napoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt

Born Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte on March 20, 1811, at the Tuileries Palace. His birth was announced with 101 cannon shots across Paris. He was immediately given the title King of Rome, signifying his status as heir to his father's empire. The difficult birth required forceps.

The infant was baptized in a magnificent ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral on June 9, 1811. His godparents were Emperor Francis I of Austria (his maternal grandfather) and Madame Mère (Napoleon's mother). The ceremony showcased the height of Napoleonic imperial splendor.

Napoleon departed for his fateful Russian campaign, leaving his infant son behind. The toddler would only see his father a few more times. The disastrous campaign would begin the collapse of the empire the young King of Rome was meant to inherit.

Napoleon, between campaigns against the Sixth Coalition, spent precious time with his young son. These were among their last moments together. The emperor reportedly played with the boy and expressed hopes for his future that would never be realized.

When Napoleon abdicated on April 6, 1814, he did so in favor of his son, briefly making the three-year-old Napoleon II, Emperor of the French. However, the Allied powers refused to recognize this succession, and the Bourbons were restored instead.

Marie Louise took her son to Austria, ostensibly temporarily. He would never return to France in his lifetime. His Austrian grandfather, Emperor Francis I, welcomed them, but the boy was now a political inconvenience to be managed rather than an heir to be celebrated.

When Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to France, he again proclaimed his son as heir. After Waterloo, he abdicated once more in favor of Napoleon II. The child, held in Austria, knew nothing of these events. The Allies again refused recognition.

The Austrian authorities formally stripped the boy of his French titles and identity. He was renamed Franz and given the title Duke of Reichstadt, a minor Austrian dignity. He was to be raised as an Austrian prince, his Napoleonic heritage suppressed.

Napoleon Bonaparte died on St. Helena on May 5, 1821. The ten-year-old Franz learned of his father's death with complex emotions. He had few memories of the man, yet his entire existence was defined by being Napoleon's son. Bonapartist hopes now centered entirely on him.

Franz began formal military training, showing exceptional aptitude. He studied tactics, strategy, and military history with passionate interest. Despite Austrian attempts to suppress it, he secretly read about his father's campaigns and developed a deep fascination with Napoleonic warfare.

As he matured, Franz became increasingly aware of his unique position. Bonapartist agents occasionally made contact, fueling dreams of reclaiming his father's throne. He walked a careful line between Austrian loyalty and French heritage, watched constantly by Metternich's agents.

Franz received a commission in the Austrian Army, eventually reaching the rank of major. He threw himself into military duties with the enthusiasm inherited from his father. His superiors noted his natural leadership abilities and keen tactical mind.

The July Revolution overthrew the Bourbons in France, raising Bonapartist hopes. There was talk of placing Napoleon II on the French throne, but Metternich ensured he remained in Austria. Franz watched helplessly as the opportunity slipped away, the throne going to Louis-Philippe instead.

Franz began showing symptoms of tuberculosis, the disease that had claimed his uncle and would claim him. Despite declining health, he continued his military duties and studies with determination. He seemed to sense his time was limited and pushed himself relentlessly.

Franz developed a close bond with Archduchess Sophie, wife of Archduke Franz Karl. Their relationship sparked rumors of romance, though its true nature remains debated. Sophie would later become mother of Emperor Franz Joseph, who would rule the empire Franz was denied.

By early 1832, Franz's tuberculosis had advanced severely. He was moved to Schönbrunn Palace, where the Austrian imperial family could attend to him. He faced death with courage, reportedly saying he wished he had been allowed to prove himself worthy of his father's name.

Napoleon II died on July 22, 1832, at Schönbrunn Palace, just 21 years old. He was buried in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. In 1940, his remains were transferred to Les Invalides in Paris, where they now rest beside his father. The 'Eaglet' had finally returned home.