The Duchess of Berry and the Court of Charles X

In the quiet pre‑dawn of September 1824, the French court gathers around the dying Louis XVIII, their movements recorded with the meticulous eye of a contemporary chronicler. The narrative slides from the solemn gallery of Diana to the sudden proclamation of Charles X, capturing the mix of ritual, anxiety, and personal grief that rippled through the palace. Through vivid dialogue and intimate recollections, we glimpse the Duchess of Berry, the Duchess of Orléans, and the young heirs as they confront a moment that reshapes the monarchy.

Beyond the throne room, the work follows the royal household as it prepares for the new king’s arrival in Paris, detailing the quiet orders, the whispered letters, and the quiet terror of a governess awaiting the monarch’s instructions. The author's careful reconstruction of court protocol, the clash of public ceremony with private doubt, and the subtle power plays among courtiers bring the Restoration era to life. Listeners will find a rich portrait of a fragile moment in French history, told with both authority and a human touch.