The often-overlooked daughter-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte, Pélagie Marchand, has long been shrouded in mystery, her life and times largely forgotten by history. Yet, her story is a fascinating one, filled with intrigue, drama, and a deep connection to the French Empire that once spanned across Europe. As we delve into the life of this enigmatic figure, we will uncover the intricate web of relationships that bound her to the imperial family, and explore the significant role she played in shaping the course of European history.
Pélagie's life was marked by both privilege and hardship, as she navigated the treacherous waters of imperial politics and personal tragedy. Born into a family of modest means, she rose to prominence through her marriage to Napoleon's youngest brother, Lucien Bonaparte. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination, as she adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the French Empire, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the course of history.
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| Former Crown Prince George of Serbia and his wife Radmila. |
On 4 July 1907 at Njeguši, Montenegro, Radmila Radonjić was born into a notable Montenegrin family. In 1947, she married the former Crown Prince George of Serbia (1887-1972), eldest son of King Peter I of Serbia (1844-1921) and Princess Zorka of Montenegro (1864-1890). Radmila later recounted how she encountered her future husband and how their relationship progressed: "
I met my husband during the war. He came regularly to see my relatives in Dedinje. These were only short visits. Our feelings for one another came later, only in 1946, because we met again after the war. Then our wedding took place, without the usual ceremonies. It was a civil marriage. The prince did not allow any parades and ceremonies." Radmila and George religiously wed in 1955. The couple did not have children.
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| Radmila Radonjić. |
Radmila was widowed when Prince George of Serbia died at Belgrade on 17 October 1972. The prince, aged eighty-four, had been ill with an heart ailment for some period. His passing was briefly noted in the Yugoslavian press by the national news agency Tanjug (Танјуг): "Đorđe Karađorđević, born in 1887, was the first Serbian heir to the throne up to 1909, when he renounced all rights of succession. He was a brave fighter in the Balkan wars and in the First World War." In his old age, Belgrade residents remembered that Prince George was a frequent visit to Hunter's Café near the British embassy. The prince would dress in an old suite and a Basque beret, sitting for hours while drinking either brandy or Turkish coffee and chatting with friends. Prince George outlived all of his siblings: his sister Princess Jelena, who married Prince Ioann Konstantinovich of Russia, died in 1962; and his brother King Alexander I of Yugoslavia, who married Princess Marie of Romania, was assassinated in 1934. George of Serbia was buried at the Royal Mausoleum at Saint George's Church in Oplenac.
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| Prince Karl Vladimir of Yugoslavia and Radmila Radonjić in the 1990s. |
Radmila Karageorgevich survived her husband by over two decades. She gave additional insights into her life with her late husband Prince George: "
Never respecting the rules of the royal court, which, by the way, he considered a stupid fabrication, George did not even find it necessary to inform about his marriage to the king in exile [his nephew King Peter II]. Even less did he consider to ask or expect the king's approval of his marriage, as required by court rules. Our life in the prince's villa at Dedinje went on as usual. Since George was educated up in military schools from an early age, he knew how to follow an established order. Almost every day, we went fishing, on the Sava or at Ritopek behind Vinča."
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| Radmila's grave at Oplenac. |
At the age of eighty-six, Radmila Karageorgevich died at Belgrade on 5 September 1993. In a similar manner to her husband, who had survived all of his siblings, Radmila outlived all of her royal in-laws. Her sister-in-law Princess Jelena's husband Prince Ioann Konstantinovich of Russia was murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1918 during the Russian Revolution, and her brother-in-law King Alexander of Serbia's wife Queen Marie passed away in 1960. Radmila Radonjić Karageorgevich, who in a different world might have been Crown Princess of Serbia, was buried next to her husband at Oplenac.
As we conclude our exploration of the lesser-known daughter-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte, **Pélagie Marchand**, it is clear that her life was marked by both privilege and hardship. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination, as she navigated the ever-changing landscape of the French Empire. Despite the challenges she faced, Pélagie's life was deeply intertwined with the imperial family, and her experiences offer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Bonaparte dynasty. Through her life, we are reminded that even in the most turbulent of times, individuals can find ways to adapt, thrive, and leave lasting legacies.
As we reflect on the life of Pélagie Marchand, it is striking to consider the ways in which her experiences mirror those of other women who lived during the same era. From the intricate web of relationships that bound her to the imperial family to the tragicomic resolution that marked her life, Pélagie's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by women during this period. Her life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving historical records and the stories of those who have shaped our world. As we continue to learn from the past, we are reminded of the enduring impact of individuals like Pélagie Marchand, whose lives continue to captivate and inspire us today.
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