Prince Regent Charles

**Prince Regent Charles** (born Charles Alexander Louis Jacques de Charmaine; June 9th, 1820- June 29th, 1893) also known as **Grand Prince de Royal, Charles** or more commonly **Prince Charles** was the eldest son of Charles X and his wife Princess Charlotte. Charles served as Grand Prince de Royal from 1820 till his death and also served as Prince Regent from 1886 to his death. Dying before his father, the throne passed to his Great Grandson Louis XIX. Charles was also father of 3 kings in their own right, Kazimerz V, Clementine I, and Louis Ferdinand.

## Early life

Charles was born at the Palace of Versailles on June 9th, 1820 to the King and his wife Charlotte of Prussia. He was given the title, Grand Prince de Royal and was the first ever French Prince to receive the title. He was baptized 8 months later and names Charles Alexander Louis, after his father, and Jacques after his elder cousin. Charles, often called 'Charlie' was put under the care of 2 governesses, Madame du Pont, and Madame du Chau la pun.

At age 7, the Grand Prince was joined with his Father at the court in Versailles. Along with this, 2 addition governors, Prince Frederick Charles d'Orlean and Sir Albert of Saxe-Meinging. The 4 raised Charles and helped him prepare for being King upon his fathers death.

Charles was almost enitrely raised by the governors until he was 16, when they were removed and he was permanently put in his fathers court.

## Biography

From age 16, to his death Charles experienced an array of things in his life. Charles was, throughout his life considered beautiful and for the first years of his adulthood was the most eligible man in all of Europe. Charles had an extensive life but not much is entirely known about the Grand Prince due to his relative shyness and social anxiety.

### Marriage Prospects

By 1838, the 18 year old had 4 marriages prospects planned for him

Charles first marriage prospect was to his First Cousin, Princess Sophie of Sweden-Norway, daughter of Gustav V.

Charles second marriage prospect was to Queen Victoria of the UK

Charles third marriage prospect was to Princess Januária of Brazil, daughter of Pedro I

Charles fourth marriage prospect was to Princess Adelgunde of Bavaria, daughter of Ludwig I

Charles greatly disliked the Brazilian Princess, but did like the Princess in Bavaria. He liked her, but he could also tell his younger brother was much closer so asked his father to arrange their own marriage. Charles and Victoria fell deeply in love but realizing the prospect of a Franco-British union, which neither state really wanted both ended up splitting. Even after this, Charles always remained close with Victoria, epically after her Husbands death.

### Marriage

Charles decided to marry his first cousin, Princess Sophie after his proposal with Queen Victoria was cancelled. Sophie and Charles married on March 9th, 1841 in Bordeaux. The two had a happy marriage and were deeply in love with each other up until the death of Sophie in 1889.

### Grand Prince

As Grand Prince, "Charlie" mostly assisted in helping his father, and went on tours, to banquets, weddings, and funerals in replacement of the King. Charlie was described as quiet, introverted, and very private. He did not like his life documented and kept to himself. Not much was known about the King but it is reported that he loved his father, and did anything he requested. He was more bold with opposing nobles, and stated that "Upon King, if ever to happen, I shall not bow down to you, you shall bow down to me. [Referring to a series of nobles bullying the Prince]." Most nobles described the prince as extremely bold during the few times he spoke.

### Regency

Charles was made Prince Regent by his father, as he became older and more sickly and ill. The Prince took over almost all of his fathers duties, and