Charles Tristan, marquis de Montholon
The French aristocrat whose unwavering loyalty led him to share Napoleon's final, bitter exile on the remote island of Saint Helena.
1783–1853 (age 70)·French general during the Napoleonic Wars·Birthday: July 21
Biography
Charles de Montholon's life is inseparable from the shadow of Napoleon Bonaparte. A soldier and diplomat from an old noble family, his commitment to the Emperor survived defeat, abdication, and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. When others fell away, Montholon made the extraordinary choice to accompany Napoleon into his second, permanent exile on the windswept Atlantic rock of Saint Helena. For nearly six years, he served as a combination of aide, companion, and chronicler in the cramped confines of Longwood House. His presence there placed him at the center of the enduring mysteries surrounding Napoleon's death, with some historians later speculating about Montholon's potential role. He returned to France with the Emperor's memoirs and a legacy defined entirely by this act of protracted, controversial fidelity.
#1 When Charles Was Born
The biggest hits of 1783
Charles's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1783Born
1788Started school
1796Became a teenager
1799Could drive
1801Could vote
1804Turned 21
1813Turned 30
1823Turned 40
1833Turned 50
1843Turned 60
1853Turned 70
Key Achievements
- Voluntarily accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte into exile on Saint Helena, remaining with him until the Emperor's death in 1821.
- Co-executor of Napoleon's will and a key figure in preserving and publishing the Emperor's memoirs from exile.
- Served as a French general during the Napoleonic Wars and later as a diplomat under the July Monarchy.
Did You Know?
He was one of only a handful of followers who voluntarily went to Saint Helena; his wife, Albine, also accompanied him initially.
He is a central figure in various conspiracy theories suggesting Napoleon was poisoned, with some accusing Montholon himself.
After Napoleon's death, he had a checkered political career and was even imprisoned for involvement in a Bonapartist plot.
“I shared his exile to Saint Helena; my loyalty was my final duty.”
