Julie Clary
Marie Julie Clary entered the world on the 26th of December 1771 in Marseille, France. Her father François Clary operated a wealthy silk manufacturing business within that city. He held Irish heritage while managing his commercial empire from the St Ferreol district. His second wife Françoise Rose Somis joined him in marriage on the 26th of June 1759. The couple produced three children including Julie and her younger sister Désirée. Their brother Nicolas Joseph Clary later received the title Comte Clary. This family background provided Julie with significant wealth before she ever met Napoleon's brother.
Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself emperor in 1804 and named his brother Joseph Imperial Prince. Julie became an Imperial Princess during this same year. She carried the train for the empress during their joint coronation ceremony alongside other sisters-in-law. Reports indicate she could behave according to court etiquette and royal formality when required. Yet she preferred living a private life surrounded by family members instead. Her chateau in Mortefontaine, Oise served as her primary residence after its purchase in 1800. She stayed away from both the formal court and her adulterous spouse whenever possible.
Joseph Bonaparte assumed the throne of Spain on the 25th of June 1808. Julie formally became Queen of Spain but never set foot within that country. She remained at her residence in Mortefontaine while keeping informed about events from Vichy and Plombières. People in Spain referred to her as Reina ausente or The Absent Queen. She functioned effectively as an ambassador for Joseph at the French Imperial court of Napoleon. Political correspondence flowed between them regarding Napoleon's plans for Spain. She warned Joseph he must control Spain's unity finances and army himself since Napoleon would not allow independence there.
Napoleon's army suffered defeat at the Battle of Vitoria on the 21st of June 1813. During this war period Julie offered sanctuary to her sister Desirée Clary. Desirée was technically an enemy citizen because she married the Crown Prince of Sweden. Julie also sheltered her sister-in-law Catharina of Württemberg inside her home at Mortefontaine. When allied troops captured Paris in 1814, Julie sought refuge with her sister Desirée instead. She later purchased the castle of Prangins near Lake Léman in Switzerland after Napoleon abdicated in 1814.
Julie settled in Florence Italy at the Palazzo Serristori during her later years. She did not socialize with other French people living abroad. Her husband Joseph joined her there in 1840 despite his history of adultery. She continued referring to him as my beloved husband until his death on the 28th of July 1844. Julie died eight months later in Florence on the 7th of April 1845 at age seventy-three. Both spouses were buried next to each other at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. Their remains remained together while their daughter Charlotte lay nearby having died in Lucca on the 3rd of March 1839.
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Common questions
When and where was Julie Clary born?
Marie Julie Clary entered the world on the 26th of December 1771 in Marseille, France. Her father François Clary operated a wealthy silk manufacturing business within that city.
How did Julie Clary become Queen of Spain?
Joseph Bonaparte assumed the throne of Spain on the 25th of June 1808 and Julie formally became Queen of Spain but never set foot within that country. She remained at her residence in Mortefontaine while keeping informed about events from Vichy and Plombières.
Where did Julie Clary live during her time as Queen of Naples and Spain?
Her chateau in Mortefontaine, Oise served as her primary residence after its purchase in 1800. She stayed away from both the formal court and her adulterous spouse whenever possible.
What happened to Julie Clary after Napoleon's defeat in 1813?
Napoleon's army suffered defeat at the Battle of Vitoria on the 21st of June 1813 and she later purchased the castle of Prangins near Lake Léman in Switzerland after Napoleon abdicated in 1844. When allied troops captured Paris in 1814, Julie sought refuge with her sister Desirée instead.
When and where did Julie Clary die?
Julie died eight months later in Florence on the 7th of April 1845 at age seventy-three. Both spouses were buried next to each other at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence.