Born: 20 March 1811 · Died: 22 July 1832 · Age at death: 21
How old was Napoleon II when he died?
Napoleon II died aged 21. He was born on 20 March 1811 and died on 22 July 1832.
Son of Napoleon Bonaparte and short-lived Emperor of the French
Did you know?He was known as the Eaglet and lived most of his life in Vienna under the custody of his Austrian grandfather.
Quick facts
Date of birth20 March 1811
Date of death22 July 1832
Age at death21
Cause of deathTuberculosis
NationalityFrench
BirthplaceParis, France
Occupationdraftsperson, military officer
Editor's Take:
Napoleon II was born to inherit an empire and spent his short life in a gilded cage. After his father's fall he was raised at the Austrian court, where his grandfather Emperor Francis I kept him well away from French politics. He was even given a German title. Bonapartists in France treated him as their rightful ruler and dreamed of his return. Instead he grew into a quiet young officer with poor health. His early death in 1832 passed the Bonaparte claim to his cousin, who later ruled as Napoleon III.
Key Milestones
1811: Born and proclaimed King of Rome
1815: Recognised by Bonapartists as emperor after Napoleon's abdication
1818: Created Duke of Reichstadt by his Austrian grandfather
Napoleon II (Napoléon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte; 20 March 1811 – 22 July 1832) was the disputed Emperor of the French for 2 weeks in 1815. He was the son of Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Marie Louise, daughter of Emperor Francis I of Austria.
