A DESCENDANT of former French King Louis XVI has vowed to serve his country “if France wants the return of royalty” amid huge pressure on the government.
Louis de Bourbon says he is “dismayed” by the current state of French politics under Emmanuel Macron after he was forced to appoint a sixth Prime Minister in the space of two years earlier this month.
Louis de Bourbon, a descendant of former French King Louis XVI has vowed to serve his country ‘if France wants the return of royalty’Shutterstock
Bourbon says he is ‘dismayed’ by the current state of French politics under Emmanuel MacronReuters
Bourbon, known as Louis XX, spoke to the Journal du Dimanche newspaper about his readiness to serve France in “the face of the governing class’ negligence”.
He explained: “The political, institutional and social state of our country continues to worsen.
“I consider it my role as head of the House of Bourbon and heir of the dynasty that made France to speak on the issue.
“At a moment of decision, I hope that the monarchical legacy of which I am the trustee is still sufficiently vibrant in the heart of my compatriots to be a source of inspiration and, I must say, hope.”
The 51-year-old is seen by many in France as the rightful claimant to the throne which hasn’t been used since the monarchy was abolished in 1792.
King Louis XVI was the final King of France but his reign ended after the French Revolution.
He was later sentenced to death via guillotined alongside wife Marie-Antoinette.
Bourbon’s path to the throne goes through the late King due to Louis being the father of Philip V of Spain.
He is now the oldest male heir meaning, if France was to return to a monarchy at any time, he would be viewed as the first in line.
Some are now even calling for a Sixth Republic to be formed.
The idea of bringing back a King and Queen to Paris has gained some traction in recent months amid political turmoil.
On October 6, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned after just 27 days in office.
An under pressure Macron had only appointed Lecornu less than a month earlier – making him his fifth PM in the space of two years.
His shock resignation came just after he appointed his first cabinet.
Parisian political rivals threatened to topple the PM’s already struggling government after the cabinet was approved.
Both political allies and foes of Lecornu fumed at his choices and criticised it for either being too right-wing or not right-wing enough.
Macron spent four days looking for a new man to fill the PM role before he sensationally reappointed Lecornu.
The shocking move left much of France and the wider world puzzled around why Lecornu threw in the towel in the first place.
Inside Macron’s cursed PM role
Sebastien Lecornu: 27 days – Sep 9, 2025 to Oct 6, 2025
Francois Bayrou: 270 days – Dec 13, 2024 to Sep 9, 2025
Michel Barnier: 99 days – Sep 5, 2024 to Dec 13, 2024
Gabriel Attal: 240 days – Jan 9, 2024 to Sep 5, 2024
Elisabeth Borne: 1yr 238 days – May 16, 2022 to Jan 9, 2024
Jean Castex: 1yr 317 days – July 3, 2020 to May 16, 2022
Edouard Philippe: 3yrs 49 days – May 15, 2017 to July 3, 2020
Macron’s ever-changing cabinet is only one of the major issues.
Extremist parties are continuing to put pressure on France’s governmental establishment as a whole.
President Macron has faced a political crisis since he called an ill-advised snap election last summer.
His centrist bloc lost dozens of seats amid a spike in support for the far-right.
While a left wing coalition came first in the end, no party is anywhere close a majority in the French Parliament.
As Macron scrambles to stabilize his government, he is now also facing calls for his resignation.
Millions in France regularly take part in strikes and street marches, known as “Block Everything” protests, supported by trade unions.
Despite the fierce opposition, Macron is under no obligation to quit.
He will be forced to step down in 2027 after completing two terms of office – the maximum allowed in France.
King Louis XVI was the final King of France but his reign ended after the French RevolutionGetty
Bourbon’s comments come amid French political turmoil and widespread ‘Block Everything’ protests in the countryAlamy Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
