Charles Emmanuel IVKing of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy
Date of Birth: 24.05.1751
Country: Italy |
Content:
- Reign as King of Sardinia
- Early Life and Marriage
- Abdication and Religious Devotion
- Claim to Jacobite Throne
- Succession Debate
- Legacy
Reign as King of Sardinia
Charles Emmanuel IV (1751-1819) ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1796, following the death of his father, Victor Amadeus III. During his reign, the kingdom faced territorial losses, including Nice and Savoy to France.
Early Life and Marriage
Born in 1751, Charles Emmanuel became the Prince of Piedmont in 1773. In 1775, he married Princess Clotilde of France, daughter of the Dauphin of France. The couple remained childless throughout their marriage.
Abdication and Religious Devotion
Following the death of his wife in 1802, Charles Emmanuel abdicated the throne in favor of his brother, Victor Emmanuel I. He dedicated the rest of his life to religion and secluded himself from public affairs.
Claim to Jacobite Throne
In 1807, with the death of Cardinal Henry Benedict Stuart, Charles Emmanuel became the senior representative of the Stuart dynasty. As a result, he inherited the Jacobite claim to the thrones of England and Scotland. However, neither he nor his successors pursued this claim.
Succession Debate
After Charles Emmanuel's death, the Jacobite succession became a subject of debate among fringe groups. However, no official or widely recognized successor was ever declared.
Legacy
Charles Emmanuel's reign was marked by territorial losses and political instability. Despite his renunciation of the throne, his claim to the Jacobite throne remains a contentious issue among certain factions to this day.