“Infidelity and loyalty. An odd combination don’t you think?” That’s what they whispered about Pauline Borghèse. We’re standing on Allée Pauline Borghèse. It is named after a woman who was both scandalous and steadfast.
Pauline Borghèse was Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister. She was born Paolina Bonaparte in Ajaccio on October 20 1780. Pauline remained very close to Napoleon throughout her life.
Even after Napoleon’s fall Pauline remained loyal. She visited him on the island of Elba. During his exile to Saint Helena she tried to have him repatriated to France.
Pauline was known for her beauty. She had many suitors from a young age. Napoleon did not like these budding romances. He decided to marry her off.
She married General Charles Victoire Emmanuel Leclerc at 17. They had a son named Dermide Louis Napoléon. Pauline followed her husband to Saint-Domingue. Marriage did not tame her. She gained a reputation as an unfaithful wife.
Charles Leclerc died of yellow fever in 1802. Pauline was a widow at 22. Her love affairs quickly reached Napoleon’s ears. He remarried her the following year.
Her second husband was Camille Borghèse. He was a very wealthy Roman prince. Pauline quickly grew bored with her husband in Rome. She returned to Paris with her son Dermide. Dermide was in poor health. He died the following year.
Pauline cared for her well-being and beauty. She enjoyed donkey milk baths and thermal spas. She visited Aix-les-Bains in 1808 to take the waters. Pauline loved her stay. She returned to the spa town several times. Other Bonaparte women soon followed her example.
Josephine also came to Aix in 1810. She had just divorced Napoleon. The imperial family stayed at Villa Chevalley. The villa was surrounded by large gardens. Pauline’s visits helped make the town famous. Royalty politicians and artists followed.
Pauline eventually returned to her husband in Florence. She died at 44 from a serious illness. She had no descendants.
Pauline’s beauty made her stand out among the Bonapartes. She used her looks and charm to get what she wanted. She did this to be free. She did not give up love affairs for Napoleon’s marriage plans. She helped her brother’s political goals because she lacked personal ambition.
Pauline’s need for attention caused conflicts. She fought with Josephine and Marie-Louise. Pauline was not interested in power. She was devoted to her family. She connected her brothers and sometimes reconciled them.
Pauline was one of the few who shared the Emperor’s fate. She accompanied him in exile on Elba. She sent him her diamonds when he had money problems. She wanted to be by his side on Saint Helena. Pauline Borghèse remained loyal to her brother to the end. Now that’s something to admire isn’t it?