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Questions about Désirée Clary

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When and where was Désirée Clary born?

Désirée Clary entered the world on the 8th of November 1777 in Marseille, France. Her father François Clary operated a wealthy silk manufacturing business that employed many local workers.

Why did Napoleon Bonaparte end his engagement to Désirée Clary?

Napoleon Bonaparte ended his engagement with Désirée Clary on the 6th of September 1795 after Josephine de Beauharnais entered his life. He married Joséphine shortly afterward in 1796 while Désirée remained friends with the family despite this personal rejection.

Who did Désirée Clary marry and when did their wedding take place?

Désirée married General Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte at Sceaux on the 17th of August 1798. Their marriage contract granted her economic independence which was unusual for women of that time.

How did Desideria arrive in Sweden after becoming heir to the throne?

Desideria traveled through Hamburg and Kronborg in Denmark before arriving in Helsingborg on the 22nd of December 1810. The Swedish winter shocked her and she cried while hating the snow upon arrival.

When was Desideria crowned Queen of Sweden and where did the ceremony occur?

She was crowned Queen of Sweden on the 21st of August 1829 at Storkyrkan church in Stockholm. Despite holding royal status she never learned to speak Swedish or adopt formal court etiquette.