Albine de Montholon
Albine Hélène de Vassal entered the world on the 18th of December 1779 within the city of Paris. Her family connections included a cousin named Régis de Cambacérès who held significant standing in French society. At age 17, she wed Jean-Pierre Bignon on the 19th of February 1797. This first marriage lasted only two years before ending in divorce during 1799. She then married Daniel Roger on the 18th of August 1800 at the age of 20. These early unions set the stage for her later life as a woman navigating complex social expectations and political upheaval.
Napoleon Bonaparte arrived on the island of Saint Helena following his defeat at Waterloo. Albine accompanied him there after marrying Charles Tristan de Montholon. She became reputed to be the mistress of Napoleon during this period of captivity. The isolation of the island created an intense atmosphere where personal relationships shifted dramatically. Historical accounts suggest she spent time with both her husband and the exiled emperor while living under strict British supervision.
In December 1809, Albine gave birth to a son named Tristan Charles François Napoléon de Montholon-Sémonville. A second son followed on the 3rd of October 1810, bearing the name Napoléon Charles Tristan de Montholon-Sémonville. Both boys carried names like Charles, Tristan, and de Montholon-Sémonville that pointed toward their father being Montholon before he officially married her. Their union took place on the 2nd of July 1812, two months after her divorce from Roger. A third child arrived in 1814 named Charles-François-Frédéric. The fourth child was born on Saint Helena in 1816 as Hélène Napoleone Bonaparte. It remains unknown whether Montholon or Napoleon fathered this final daughter since she was involved with both men at the time.
Albine divorced Daniel Roger shortly before marrying Charles Tristan de Montholon on the 2nd of July 1812. This marriage occurred just two months after her separation from Roger. Her relationship with Montholon became central to her life during the years leading up to her death. After Albine died, Montholon went on to marry his mistress Catherine O'Hara. She was the mother of his son Charles Jean Tristan. The timeline of these events shows how quickly her personal circumstances changed following her divorce and remarriage.
Albine de Montholon passed away on the 25th of March 1848 in the city of Montpellier. Her legacy endured long after her death through various historical records and cultural depictions. In modern cinema, Elsa Zylberstein played her role in a film titled Monsieur N. This portrayal brought attention to her controversial reputation as a woman caught between powerful political figures. Her story continues to be examined by historians who study the intersection of private lives and public history during the Napoleonic era.
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Common questions
When and where was Albine de Montholon born?
Albine Hélène de Vassal entered the world on the 18th of December 1779 within the city of Paris.
Who did Albine de Montholon marry after her divorce from Daniel Roger?
Albine de Montholon married Charles Tristan de Montholon on the 2nd of July 1812, two months after her divorce from Daniel Roger.
What children did Albine de Montholeon have with Napoleon Bonaparte or Charles Tristan de Montholon?
Her children included Tristan Charles François Napoléon de Montholon-Sémonville born in December 1809, Napoléon Charles Tristan de Montholon-Sémonville born on the 3rd of October 1810, Charles-François-Frédéric born in 1814, and Hélène Napoleone Bonaparte born on Saint Helena in 1816.
Where did Albine de Montholon die and when?
Albine de Montholon passed away on the 25th of March 1848 in the city of Montpellier.
Which actress portrayed Albine de Montholon in the film Monsieur N?
Elsa Zylberstein played the role of Albine de Montholon in a film titled Monsieur N.