Have you ever watched Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film interpretation of Marie Antoinette and wondered what her life was really like underneath all of that perceived glamour?
If so, this episode from Royalty Now Studios takes you through the history of the last official queen of France before the French Revolution, including what her childhood was like and what led to her eventual downfall.
Marie Antoinette was born in late 1755 in Vienna, Austria. Her birth name was Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna, and she was the youngest daughter out of 16 children born to Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresa. Marie’s father was Francis, Duke of Lorraine, and her parents' marriage was one of love and devotion.
Being the youngest daughter of 16 children, Marie’s childhood within a large family was quite hectic but also filled with love and close relationships with some of her siblings. In particular, she grew close to her older sister, Maria Carolina.
As a young girl, Marie discovered a love of music and was a natural singer and also took up playing the harp and flute.
She didn’t excel in academics and languages like some of her other sisters, but she was known to be a very compassionate, graceful, and charming young woman.
As Royalty Now Studios points out, it’s quite ironic what happened to Marie, as she wasn’t the highest-status royal bride in her family. Four of her older sisters were expected to be married off into European royalty but ended up falling ill or dying.
So, how did the young Marie Antoinette end up becoming queen of the ailing country of France? Watch the video in full to find out.
