Emperor of France: The Ultimate Title
The Emperor of France was a prestigious title held by a select few throughout history. While it may seem like a stuffy, serious position, there is plenty of humor to be found in the diverse cast of characters who once held it.
Let’s dive into the history of the Emperor of France and meet some of the most memorable emperors.
Napoleon Bonaparte - The Little Emperor
Perhaps the most famous Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte was known for his military conquests and tiny stature. Despite his reputation as an egomaniac, Napoleon struggled to reach the height of 5’5”. It is said that he would sometimes wear lifts in his shoes to appear taller.
In addition to his height complex, Napoleon was known for his love of pastry. Legend has it that he once asked for a croissant to be made in the shape of a “C” for his initials. Thus, the croissant was born.
Louis XIV - The Sun King
Louis XIV was another notable Emperor of France, known for his lavish lifestyle and love of all things glittery. He was so fond of gold that he would often have everything in his chambers coated in it, including his furniture and even his dog.
But the Sun King was more than just a fancy dresser; he was also a master of dance. Louis XIV played a key role in developing ballet as an art form and even performed in some productions himself. It’s safe to say that he was a regular Fred Astaire of his time.
Napoleon III - The Beardiful Emperor
The second Napoleon to hold the title of Emperor, Napoleon III was a man of many facial hair styles. He wavered between a full beard, a goatee, and even a mustache-only look. Rumor has it that he once dyed his beard green for Saint Patrick’s Day, but we cannot confirm nor deny this.
In addition to his grooming habits, Napoleon III was also known for his sense of humor. He once wrote a letter to his tailor asking for 20,000 buttons to be added to his jackets. The tailor, thinking the request was serious, sourced the buttons and presented them to the Emperor. Napoleon III found this hilarious and rewarded the tailor accordingly.
The Importance of the Title
While the positions of Emperor of France are no longer around, they have left a lasting impact on history. From tales of short men with big egos to stories of furniture that glitters, there is plenty of humor to be found in this prestigious title.
So if you ever find yourself interacting with a person claiming to be an Emperor of France, be sure to ask them about their height, beard, or love of all things sparkly. You never know what amusing stories you might hear.