The Eaglet: Napoleon II at Les Invalides

Napoleon II has lain at Les Invalides since December 1940. The son of Napoleon and Marie-Louise, Duke of Reichstadt, he died in Vienna in 1832 at twenty-one, of tuberculosis. His remains were moved from the Capuchin crypt in Vienna to the Dôme one hundred and eight years later, in political circumstances that cannot be glossed over: the transfer was organised by Germany during the Occupation.

NameNapoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt

Born1811

DiedVienna, 1832, aged 21

CauseTuberculosis

Transfer to ParisDecember 1940

LiesClose to his father, under the Dôme

A political gesture, on both sides

The return of 1840 had been negotiated by Louis-Philippe with England; that of 1940 was decided by the occupier, a century to the day later, and presented as a gift. The intended effect missed: the ceremony, nocturnal and discreet, produced no fervour at all. The coffin was first placed in the crypt, then installed later in the position it holds today, very close to his father.

The Duke of Reichstadt's heart and viscera stayed in Vienna: that was the Habsburg custom, and Austria did not return them. The other burials under the Dôme are on the burials page.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Napoleon II buried?

At Les Invalides, close to his father, since December 1940.

What did he die of?

Tuberculosis, in Vienna, in 1832, at twenty-one.