On this day, Madame writes to her aunt to announce the death of her great-grandson, the Duc d’Alençon. The baby prince died at midnight, not to Madame’s surprise. She knew he was doomed when the doctors bled him. His parents, the Duc and Duchesse de Berry, are inconsolable. The Duc de Berry does not look too good himself.
Commentary:
The Duchesse de Berry is one of Madame’s grand daughters through her son the Duc d’Orléans. The Duc de Berry is the youngest grandson of Louis XIV. The young couple have been married since 1710. They had a daughter in 1711 who died the same day she was born. The little Duc d’Alençon was born on 26 March, which means that he only lived for 21 days.
Pictured: A presumed portrait Marie-Louise-Élisabeth d’Orléans (1695-1719), Duchesse de Berry from her marriage in 1710, attributed to Gobert. Public domain.
There is in fact nothing wrong with the Duc de Berry’s health. It is a hunting accident that will see him off next year. His last child, a daughter who only lives for 24 hours, will be born six weeks after his death.
Pictured: Charles de France (1686-1714), Duc de Berry, Duc d’Alençon, Comte de Ponthieu, Comte de Cognac, etc. Public domain.
Madame has a low opinion of the doctors in attendance on the royal family. When she is ill, she keeps it quiet so as not to attract their attention.
Pictured: Élisabeth-Charlotte of Bavaria (1652-1722), née Princesse Palatine of the Rhine, Duchesse d’Orléans by marriage, known as Madame at the French court. Public domain.
If you have questions that I have not addressed in the commentary, please ask in the comments.