The Death of the Prince Imperial Zulu War 1879
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- The Death of the Prince Imperial - Zulu War 1879
Join Chris Green (The History Chap) for this forgotten story from the the Anglo-Zulu war in South Africa in 1879, when in a minor skirmish Napoleon Bonaparte’s great nephew, Louis-Napoleon, the Prince Imperial was killed.
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Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte was the heir and great hope to restoring the Napoleonic legacy in France, was aged just 23, when he was killed by the Zulus.
But what was the relative of France’s greatest military general doing fighting the Zulus in a British colonial war?
This is the story of the Death of the Prince Imperial, and with it the dreams of a Bonaparte revival in France.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0;30 The French Second Empire
1:30 The Prince Imperial
2:53 Woolwich Military Academy
4:35 Anglo-Zulu War
6:35 Prince Imperial in South Africa
7:25 Lt. Carey
9:00 The Last Patrol
10:45 Death of the Prince Imperial
14:28 News of the Death
17:03 Carey’s Court Martial
18:48 Memorials
19:55 End of Bonaparte Dreams]
20:48 The History Chap
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#thedeathoftheprinceimperial #princeimperial #princeimperialzuluwar
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Following the Franco-Prussian War, the French Second Empire was overthrown.
Louis-Napoleon’s father, the Emperor Napoleon III (nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte) fled into exile in England with his wife and son.
Louis-Napoleon, the Prince Imperial attended Woolwich Military Academy where he excelled but as a frenchman with a desire to one-day return as Emperor and lead his country, he could not join the British army.
Nevertheless, when the Anglo-Zulu War broke out in 1879, he asked to accompany the British army as an observer.
On the 1st June 1879, the Prince Imperial went out on a patrol with an escort of just 7 men.
They were ambushed by a small party of Zulu warriors and in the brief skirmish that followed, the prince Imperial was thrown from his horse whilst the rest of the patrol fled.
Utterly alone, the Prince Imperial turned to face his pursuers.
He reached for his great-uncles Austerlitz sword, but found that it was no longer in it’s scabbard.
Instead he drew his revolver and as the Zulus closed in he fired 2 shots.
They were the only shots anyone in that patrol fired.
Seven Zulus surrounded him. Zulu survivors, said that he fought like a lion.
Eventually, exhausted and losing blood, he sank into a seated position.
In a short stabbing frenzy it was all over, the Prince Imperial was dead.
The last great hope of a Bonaparte revival in France lay dead and deserted in a dried up river-bed in Zululand.
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or UA-cam animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Curious how Q Victoria would lobby and support a relative of Napoleon ,once the the most hated and feared figure of GB and the monarchy, ! How things change when you call yourself an emperor, “you’re now one of us” . Another great well told piece of history ,
Barry, isn't it interesting how positions change?
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But you are also keeping a useful political pawn around to keep the opposition of balance.
Why? They're all related at some juncture! Sort it out bruv
@@51WCDodge There may have been political calculation. France was a potential enemy in war and exploiting its political fissures - ie. an exile considered the legitimate ruler by some French - would have been a consideration.
Napoleon himself wanted to settle in England after his defeat but was refused
Empress Eugenie was a walking disaster, first pressing Marshall MacMahon, Napoleon 3rd and his Chalons Army into an utterly disastrous campaign resulting in the subsequent defeat at Sedan 1870, thus putting a definitive end to her husbands second empire, subsequently pressing Disraeli to accept her son into the Zulu campaign and thereby causing the final end to the Napoleon dynasti !
This is a bit more complicated. At the time of the French/Prussian war in 1870, Napoleon III was a sick man. His power was fading and France was at the verge of a new revolution. By all means, in a way the disastrous war of 1870 was seen, at least at first glance, as a great opportunity for the French Emperor to strengthen his power and subdue all opposition. It worked : the French welcomed the war with cries such as "A Berlin" (To Berlin).
In England, Eugenie - quite penniless - struggled to maintain the appearances of an Imperial court, so spending quite some money futilely.
I do not know if there is a connection, here, but I read different stories regarding "Loulou"'s habit to break his saddle's yoke when trying to get on his horse. Was he forced to buy a cheap saddle for a lack of funds ? Or was the saddle some kind of heirloom (from his father or his great-uncle) and therefore in bad shape ?
Thank you for adding to the debate.
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She was, according to herself, 100% responsable for the Mexican expedition.
@@Brehat29 on the verge of new revolution??? In a nationwide referendum in 1870, a majority of the people appeared to support the Empire and their emperor (though this would be disappointing to the Republicans).
You, sir, are a master storyteller. This was delightful indeed, despite the sad fate of the Prince.
Thank you for those kind words.
In my humble opinion it was completely reckless of him to go into hostile territory with only a tiny escort and letting their horses wander off. Still, knowing how he felt he had to live up to his war hero relative and that is what got him killed I can't help but feel sorry for the poor bastard.
Killed by the Zulu's indeed! Reckless like him wandering into a black neighborhood on a Saturday night.
You can feel sorry for him if you want. But......going into hostile territory with only a tiny squad of men without transportation demonstrates poor judgement.
Died in battle. Unlike his great uncle.
Blame for his death fell on Lt Carey, it had to. He was the experienced professional soldier who was automatically charged with keeping Louis out of danger. If any of his superiors knew beforehand that Carey would let Louis lead the patrol they would have assigned someone else to lead instead. Carey was a fool who should have recognised a potential ambush situation. That was his job, and he didn't bother doing it.
Thanks for taking the time to post. I see you have really opened up a debate, which is great.
@@TheHistoryChap My pleasure :)
Absolutely fascinating. I remember when I first became aware of this episode several decades ago. I stumbled across his bust at the old National Army Museum in London. I couldn't believe the irony of the last of the Bonaparte dynasty dying whilst serving with the British army. He might have had a rather Gaulish impetuosity and not reached the heights of military accomplishment of his Great Uncle, but my word what a brave man and a credit to his family's Marshall past. What a faux pas by the British Officers on the spot though. Wonder what happened to the Austerlitz sword?
Thanks for your comments and I agree with the irony.
Not sure whatever happened to the sword.
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@@TheHistoryChap Already subscribed, wouldn't miss it for the world 👍
@@TheHistoryChap Was going to ask the same question about the sword be amazing if it hung in some old Zulu warriors home or maybe its still out there in a field.
@@TheHistoryChap I don't know if this is true (I read many conflicting reports of the Zulu war) but it seems that the sword was returned by the Zulus.
@@Brehat29
Okay, but to whom, and do you by chance know where it is today? Thanks in advance.
My great-grandfather was with the British Army during the Zulu war and was at the camp when the news of his death was brought in. My sister still has a letter he wrote that night telling the news.
Wow, thanks for sharing.
You know more about history.
I’d love to know what he wrote
Pretty good video, however I think you made a few mistakes. At around 2 minutes you said that in 1879 the Franco-Prussian War broke out, while it was in fact in 1870, which lead to Napoleon the 3rd being deposed. I think you simply messed up the years due to the significane of 1879 in this particular snippet of history.
You are absolutely correct!
I have loved history all my life.
You have an equal enjoyment and passion for the past which is clearly expressed in your stories, many thanks.
My pleasure.
I recall reading a story that when his mother visited South Africa in order to erect a cross, they had difficulty in finding the marker that had been placed on the spot where he died. She then looked around and saw some flowers growing in a certain spot and hurried there. The marker was found in the same spot. She stated that he had always loved those flowers. Did you find any mention of this when you researched this story?
Yes, I did read that story. Not sure how accurate it really is but just from a sentimental angle maybe I should have included it.
I remember there were no actual flowers, just the scent.
Fantastic stuff ta!....fascinating time in French history...The Mexico debacle and all the rest....love the work you are putting out.✌
Hi Brian,
Of course, his father was mixed up in the Mexican debacle.
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Chris
Napoleon III lived in my old home town of Royal Leamington Spa between 1838 and 1839. The house is known as Napoloen III House, Clarendon Square, and there is a blue commemorative plaque on the wall.
Pete, I love how the golden thread of history connects different stories and events.
Excellent report. Thank you for sharing this story!
My pleasure.
I wish I would have been this into history in my 20s while stationed in Europe. I had plenty of time to travel but just didnt care to be there at the time, what a waste and a shame for me. Ita okay to have regrets but I'm glad I love history so much today. Its much easier to learn about in these short fantastic documentaries.
Glad that you are enjoying some of my videos.
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You bring us some incredible episodes, well done and thank you. 👏🏻
Many thanks, Patrick. it means a lot to know that people enjoy my work.
An amazing story and a tragic tale of the last hope for a Bonaparte restoration, my friend. I truly enjoyed it and studiying British history. As an American, especially a southern American, the lack of history taught in our schools is appalling. Thank you for your amazing channel and your pleasant narrations, keep up the great work 👍 😀
Thank you for retelling these interesting events from the past.
My pleasure.
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Great story, excellent delivery. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it.
A fascinating story forgotten or unknown by many! Thank you for your hard work! Great channel. 👍
Many thanks for watching and for the kind comment.
Fascinating as always! Many Thanks again!!
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your support.
Never heard of that story. Many thanks for sharing it with us all. As always a excellent video your passion for history always come across.
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Thank you for yet another excellent episode... Never tire of these poignantly stirring, remarkably detailed & very well narrated Colonial episodes.
Look forward to more of the same. 😊👍
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Just a fantastic channel. Always a good listen 👏👏👏
Thank you so much. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future stories
I knew of this, but thank you for the copious detail and excellent storytelling.
My pleasure, Andy.
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Great video, thanks. I look forward to more content
Definitely more coming.
Watch out for my next video - all about what happened the VC winners from Rorke's Drift after the battle.
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Great story telling! Absolutely fascinating…
Many thanks, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
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Superb, thankyou, a very interesting part of history. An education.
Glad you enjoyed it
Wow! Fabulous video thank you!
My pleasure.
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A great story... Well told. Thank you, sir.
Thank you.
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Another great piece of work, well done 👍👍
Many thanks.
Congrats on the growth the channel is having. Great stuff and we’ll deserved.
Thank you for your kind words of support.
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Thank you so very much for adding 'colour' to these snippets of history, well done!
Thank you for your support, Pierre.
Another great one!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Fantastic video as always!
Thank you.
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Wonderful. I lover your videos. I always learn something, or at least have a new topic to research
Many thanks, Brendan.
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Thank you for presenting this forgotten episode of The Anglo-Zulu War
My pleasure. Thanks for your continued support.
I live quite near to Farnborough and visited the Abbey some years ago & saw the tombs of the 3 Napoleons. I knew about the death of the Prince Imperial when I read 'The Washing of the Spears' by Donald R. Morris in the mid 1960s. I didn't then know that he was buried so close to where I lived. His mother also lived in Farnborough until her death in 1920.
Stuart, thanks for sharing your personal experiences.
My next video is all about what happened to the Victoria Cross winners at Rorke's Drift after the battle. Have visited 4 graves as part of my video.
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There is also a memorial to him in St George's Chapel Windsor.
I have to add yet another absolutely fascinating comment. Well done sir.
My pleasure.
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Fascinating, many thanks.
My pleasure, Glynn.
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Awesome commentary. 👏👏👏
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Once again magnificent history telling and , once again, i like the snippets you add re after the event (s). My English great grandparents, grandparents, and parents (b4 moving to Aotearoa/NZ) were from Farnborough and Aldershot region due to the Army and Airforce bases there.: Most of my cousins etc are still in aboding there :)
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Greetings from a cloudy Cheshire.
Chris
Thank you for telling this story so movingly. I have a framed page from the London Illustrated News commemorating the Prince's short life and death on my wall. It's amazing what an emotional impact this minor skirmish had for so many people.
Indeed, David.
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Chris
A fascinating story, of which I was totally unaware. Thank you.
My pleasure. Especially as I'm a Spurs supporter.
Subscribed.
So much bad news & staggering loss of life in such a short time.
Please keep up the good work.
DOUGout
Doug, thank you for your support.
Once again Chap, you are very good
Very kind of you, thanks
Very interesting! I like your videos!
Thank you for watching them
I just subbed. Love history. Your knowledge and ability to bring history to life is wonderful. Great job!
Thanks for your support
How fascinating, never knew about this because you only usually hear about Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.....Hope you will cover the Battle of Mirbat someday
Thank you. Yes, Mirbat is on my list.
The problem is that my list is looking like one of those lists that my kids used to write to Santa!
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best wishes,
Chris
I read a few articles on this very subject but nice to a fuller account of the Princes earlier life and the events after, Enjoyed the presentation.
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yet another good video
Thanks for watching.
Brilliant I'm a new subscriber and this channel is right up my street 👍 😀
Many thanks for your support, Brian.
A rattling good tale extremely well told!
Thanks mate.
Fascinating story I would probably have never heard unless you chose to tell it. 👍
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Incredible story well told.
Many thanks.
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Chris
Thank you for this story that i did not knew. Vive l'Empereur !
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Enjoyed 👍
Thanks.
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Well done!
Thank you.
Great story, well told.
Thank you.
My sincere congratulations!! One of your best videos! They are all good and extremely interesting. But this one surpassed many with its story of a young man who fought like a lion. I learned that Empress Eugenie on her tour of South Africa met one of the warriors who killed her son. And the Zulu praised the courage of young Louis. And he has more, my friend, his French is excellent. I'm a fan of your products!
Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.
Love the history of the Zulu war
Zulus attack! Fight back to back!
Glad you do, I find it fascinating too.
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Enjoyed that….. very interesting..
Glad you enjoyed it.
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I really enjoy your lectures, thanks for doing them ,they are excellent.
That's very kind of you. Thanks.
I'm loving learning about the Zulus.
History chap, have you red the book called: Billy ruffian. The Bellerphon and the Downfall of napoleon. The biography of a ship of a line by David cordingly?
Jesse, I am glad that you are enjoying.
Haven't read that book but thank you for bringing it to my attention.
@@TheHistoryChap
Thanks you for replaying, that book is a must read. It is so informative and full of action. The ship that "captured" Napoleon Bonaparte after the defeat of Waterloo was the HMS Bellerphon. I guarantee you'll enjoy the read.
I hope you have a good week. :)
Many thanks
Learning so much .
Glad to hear it! Thanks for your support.
TY very much for this amazing story I didn't know - GG - City of Tours - France
Glad you enjoyed it.
HI , and thank you for bringing this story to our attention it`s a shame the prince had to die that way ! cheers Si ....
Thanks for watching.
Well done again, old boy...I have read about the poor mans demise...
Thanks, Jeff.
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excellent video 📹
Many thanks.
Great story, expertly told. Thanks for recommending it to me!
My pleasure.
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I always wondered about the details of this particular disaster during this campaign. Thank you very much. He certainly died a soldier.
Thanks for watching.
Brilliant channel & another excellent video. 📹
Thank you for your time & dedication in researching these stories & presenting them in a clear & very entertaining fashion. 🤔
Also, they save me from the brain dead & mind numbing drudgery of terrestrial, evening time TV 📺 favoured by my girlfriend. 🤯
Ha ha, I am giggling at your last comment about terrestrial TV. Glad you are enjoying my stories. Thanks for your support.
I live in between Woolwich and Chislehurst, so thank you for this piece of local history.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for such an interesting video. Amazing to think that Napoleon's great nephew's body wrapped in the union flag.
Glad you enjoyed.
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Interesting video on a subject largely forgotten today.
Thank you.
Great story et histoire!
Thank you.
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Chris
I remember reading about this when I was so much younger in "Washing of the Spears'. It was a tragic occurrence,.
Pointless but then so many things in history are.
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Awesome
Thank you.
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very very good: thanks... A ex army Brit in Las Vegas (ex Scots Grey)
Thanks John.
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I did not know one of Napoleon's descendants had fought in the British army. Great video.
Glad you liked it, John.
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Chris
Never knew anything about Louis. He was definitely promising. And damn, the empress lived till 1920!
That you enjoyed.
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@@TheHistoryChap I have already. Saw this in my notifications.Thanks
I had read elsewhere about his death in the Zulu war but did not know the detail. I guess the cavalry patrols in the area were not that efficient.
She lived long enough to read out the text of the Treaty of Versailles in public at the grave of her husband in a kind of symbolic ceremony.
Harry Flashman was there and saw it all happen. He was supposed to keep an eye on him - Flashman and the Tiger.
Flashman is a bit like Churchill. He pops up everywhere!
I did not read that but I am sure self-preservation would have been his first thought in the debacle, managing not to be blamed for it his second.
Great video today thanks and let's face it they are always looking for a scapegoat for their own incompetence
Hi Cameron, unfortunately that is the story of the world.
Harrison claimed that he had given the Prince written orders but, of course, they weren't found.
My connections. Woolwich dockyard where his body was disembarked. Woolwich Barracks, the procession route to chistlehurst passes by my family home, Chislehurst common, imperial way, the imperial arms pub, Camden palace/golf course/Camden Caves. All places ive lived, worked and visited. And i never knew this bit of history. I love learning something new.
Glad that this story had made some connections to places that you know.
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You are an excellent storyteller and I look forward to your videos. The Edendale Contingent, to me, were the only force to come away from Ishandlwana with any positive reputation.
Thanks for your kind comment. I think the Edendale need their own video.
13:28 This part is SO poetic! He having to stand on his own two feet in battle and not rely on those came before him. The moment of truth, as it were, yes?
Thank you for taking the time to comment
didnt know this history very interesting
Glad you found it interesting
There's a book of infamous courts martial ( with this case ), I did have a copy of it. The books' title and author I have forgotten. Was an interesting read, your explanation of the consequences of the Prince Imperials' death is very good. Hope you may cover how Napoleon the 3 came to power. Anyway Thanks for your channel !
Thanks for your kind words.
I recall the book Scapegoat! Famous Courts Martial; Fascinating Look at Victims of Military-Law abuse John Harris. I recall the Zulus said they wouldn't have killed him if they had known his status. You explained the dilemma of the British giving him a title / rank...I suppose he wore a uniform reflecting that. I just think because of him being a Bonaparte he had to do something...there was still the Sudan. A victim of fate. I very much doubt France would have put him back on the throne, and maybe that was a reason for all this.
From Imperial Paris to Chislehurst in Kent...quite a journey!!
Living the dream!
The renowned Italian poet Giosuè Carducci in his Barbaric Odes book composed one "For the death of Napoleon Eugene", a moving poem on the early death of all the late descendants of the Napoleonic family.
Thank you for taking the time to share
Thank you! I’m fascinated, intrigued by this history. We have a large painting of the Sacred Heart and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque gifted by the Empress Eugenie to St. Saviour’s cathedral in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, to thank the priests who accompanied the prince’s remains back to England. It remained rolled up in a dusty archive for over a century and was rediscovered in the 1990’s, and now hangs in the cathedral. But sadly, nothing is known of the priests, their names, the provenance of the painting - nothing. If anyone has any info I would be infinitely grateful.
Thanks for watching my video and for sharing this very interesting information. I hope someone can help you.
It occurred to me, again, how British History is, in a way, everybody's History. Take that as irony or see it as how powers shifted and shifted and shifted everywhere in the world for all of time in a world which is and always has been, "winner takes all." History Chap tells us stories that pivoted around Britain's power in the world. If a certain battle had gone differently, History Chap would be telling is about the Napoleonic Wars from the French pov ... in French.
It seems to me many battles and wars were won or lost on the stupidest decision or some other bizarre circumstance. IMHO my reading of Military History tells me that many a battle was won by the side which simply managed to make the fewest stupid decisions and make the fewest mistakes.
I"m rambling. Thank you. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your ramble. Appreciated 😀
Was the sword ever recovered? Great piece of history.
There is a monument just off the Plymouth Hoo which commemorates Prince Louis
Thanks, I didn't know about that.
One thing that would make your videos better would be maybe an animated representation of the unit movements you describe.
Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it.
Benjamin Disraeli had the right hunch and the correct attitude when he decided that young Napoleon should not participate in the war against the Zulu.
Unfortunately the lobbying of his mother and HMQ Victoria ultimately led to young Napoleons demise.
They should have rather encouraged him to become a proper diplomat, he could have achieve much more in that function and being already effective by just dropping his name.
The problem was that he had been "brainwashed" from his mother, and probabilly other nostalgics, that the military carreer was the only worth of him. Imagine if the Zulus had caught him alive as an useful hostage.....
Thanks for taking the time to post your comment. A useful perspective.
@@alessiodecarolis The Zulus said later that if they had known who he was they would not have killed him. But taking POWs was not a normal part of their military culture.
Poetic,
This dog loves your story telling voice
Thank you.
When I think about French history I seldom go to imperial France as a first thought. At least I used to. Thank you for opening a door to a new realm of study!
Glad I've opened a door for you.
Someone else will have said this already, but I have to speak up...the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870, not 1879. By 1879, Napoleon III had been dead for three years. Just one niggle, though. Overall, well presented and VERY interesting. The best treatment of the subject, written or spoken, I've seen.
Thanks for the correction. I know that date so goodness knows why I said 1879 (probably had Zulu War on the brain).
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Fascinating story, never thought I'd feel sorry for a Frenchy!
Ha ha, Shaun.
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@@TheHistoryChap i am subscribed, I regard your history presentations as clear, concise & as accurate as possible, including context as well as your obvious enthusiasm!
There are plenty of revisionist, peddling a supposed history, it's a complete abomination as far as I'm concerned.
You should be on the telly but never will be because you are now in present day England the wrong colour, wrong age & tell the unvarnished truth, warts & all.
The likes of you tube are probably better that telly anyway. Keep up the good work!
This brings to mind another story related to the heritage of Napoleon, though it relates to the Guard and not any heirs. The motto of the Guard, translated here, was 'the Guard shall stand you shall not pass." At Crimea, a British unit landed and set up camp. The ground was wet and they had established a latrine of somewhat questionable serviceability at that moment. The Guard, landing next, came along and requested the usage of the latrine. The British office in command replied, in French, the equivalent permission and instruction regarding usage by the Guard of the latrine as 'the Guard may stand but they shall not pass."
Ha ha, thanks for sharing.
Love the stories that you tell in such a way that is interesting with no bombast. Chelmsford always liked to have someone to blame. The only question that I have is why did noe one fire at the Zulu warriors at any point?
Glad you enjoyed the video.