Louis XVIII of France

Reign: 1814 – 1815; 1815 – 1824
Life: 1755–1824

Restored the Bourbon monarchy after Napoleon, twice.

He was known as the Desired. Before his reign, he spent 23 years in exile from France beginning in 1791, during the French Revolution and the First French Empire. On 21 September 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and deposed Louis XVI, who was later executed by guillotine. Following the French Revolution and during the Napoleonic era, Louis XVIII lived in exile in Prussia, Great Britain, and Russia. When the Sixth Coalition first defeated Napoleon in 1814, Louis XVIII was placed in what he, and the French royalists, considered his rightful position. Louis XVIII fled, and a Seventh Coalition declared war on the French Empire, defeated Napoleon again, and again restored Louis XVIII to the French throne.

During Louis XVIII of France's reign, William I of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Frederick William III of Prussia ruled Prussia, and Francis I of Austria ruled Austria.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

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