Josephine was betraying Napoleon and wasting his money. He whispered her name on his deathbed

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Josephine and Napoleon’s relationship was full of ups and downs. The film “Napoleon” shows only a fraction of their turbulent relationship. The woman who miraculously avoided being executed by guillotine was introduced to the young Napoleon by Paul Barras. “He maliciously placed Bonaparte between Josephine and her daughter Hortense. Josephine, who was not very timid and was well-bred, treated her neighbor kindly. He, however, was quick-tempered and, what can be said, not very social, behaved very reprehensibly. Regardless of the rest of those present , he only took care of Josephine,” wrote Georges Bordonove in the book “Napoleon Bonaparte”. It was then that their story began.

Napoleon and Josephine. Romances and lavish parties

Józefina knew from the beginning that her relationship with Napoleon would bring her financial benefits. The long absence of her husband, who was busy with subsequent conquests, encouraged involvement in extramarital affairs. While the young general wrote in romantic letters: “I wake up full of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating memory of last night do not give rest to my senses. Sweet and incomparable Józefina, how strangely you act on my heart!”, Józefina wasted his money and involved him. into affairs.

Napoleon learned about her actions during his stay in Egypt in 1798. He initially returned to Paris thinking he would end the relationship, but Josephine’s cries and pleas softened his heart. Not only did they remain married, but a year later Josephine bought a house in Malmaison near Paris with Napoleon’s money. The estate enchanted with beautiful rose gardens, and at the woman’s request, exotic animals, such as kangaroos and ostriches, were brought to the property. Although Napoleon often confronted Josephine about her accounts, her charm and public reception eventually calmed him down. “I win battles, but Josephine wins hearts,” he said.

In 1804, Napoleon became emperor. During the coronation, he not only placed the crown on his own head, but also crowned his wife. This was an expression of support for Józefina at a time when relatives suggested that they split up. It was already becoming clear that Josephine, who was six years older than Napoleon, could no longer have children and would not bear the emperor a successor.

The tragic love of Napoleon and Josephine

In 1809, the Emperor, who had always put ambition before his own happiness, knew that he could wait no longer and that France must have a successor. He filed for an annulment of the marriage. On December 15, they officially ceased to be husband and wife, but their bond was never severed. “I want her to keep her rank and title of empress. I definitely don’t want her to doubt my feelings, I want her to always consider me her best and dearest friend,” he reportedly said.

After the divorce, Józefina settled permanently in Malmaison. She took care of the house, tended the gardens and expanded her art collection while waiting for Napoleon’s visits. He, in turn, immediately started looking for a new wife. For political reasons, he became involved with Marie Louise of Austria. Within a year, she gave birth to a son, Napoleon II.

However, the new marriage did not serve him. Josephine watched from Malmaison as her former husband’s government deteriorated. She failed to meet Napoleon before he went into exile after the Allied capture of Paris on March 31, 1814 and the beginning of the Russian occupation of the city. She died of pneumonia at the age of 51 on May 29, 1814. According to Kate Williams’ book “Ambition and Desire: The Dangerous Life of Josephine Bonaparte,” her maid believed she “died of grief” after Napoleon’s fall.

When he briefly returned to power in 1815, he learned of her death. That same year he was exiled again – this time by the British – to the remote island of Saint Helena. There, he surrounded himself with photos of Józefina and even ate from plates with her image. He thought about her until his last moments. He uttered her name as his last word before his death on May 5, 1821.