❖ Introduction
After the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, France entered a prolonged period of political instability and successive republics. Despite repeated attempts by the Bourbon and Orléans dynasties to reclaim the throne, the French people firmly rejected any return of traditional monarchies.
However, in the late 19th century, amid worsening economic crises and repeated corruption scandals during the Third Republic, a wave of intellectual and cultural elites began advocating for a **new monarchy**—one unconnected to the former ruling houses.
❖ The National Referendum of 1895
During a period of severe political and economic unrest, a national referendum was held in 1895, with more than 80% of the population participating. The results were decisive: ✅ 64% voted in favor of restoring the monarchy, ✅ On the condition that a new, **neutral** royal family be chosen—one known for **intellectual and social achievements**, ✅ And that the system be governed by a **fair and balanced constitutional monarchy**.
❖ Choosing the Royal Family: The House of de Montemar
After lengthy evaluations by the Council of Constitutional Judges and independent scholars, the **House of de Montemar** was selected—a noble family from the south of France, known since the 15th century.
Reasons for their selection:
They had never engaged in colonial wars or supported absolute monarchies.
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Their ancestors contributed to establishing rural schools and reforming public healthcare.
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They were patrons of the arts, philosophy, and scientific progress.
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They preserved a strong moral reputation and had previously declined royal offers from corrupt dynasties.
❖ The Birth of the New Monarchy
The coronation of **King Philippe I de Montemar** was held at the Cathedral of Nice, attended by representatives of the people and the cultural elite.
The event marked the signing of the *"Civil Royal Charter"*, a constitutional document outlining the king's powers and the framework for cooperation between the crown and the parliament.
Since then, France has been ruled under an **executive constitutional monarchy**, where:
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Parliament legislates and represents the people.
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The king ratifies laws and represents France abroad.
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The military swears allegiance to both the crown and the constitution.
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The judiciary remains independent.
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The press is free, with legal boundaries respecting royal defamation laws.
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❖ The Monarchy in the 20th Century
During the world wars, the kings of the House of Montemar refrained from siding with any faction without public consensus. They provided shelter to refugees and played a key role in reconstructing the nation's infrastructure post-war. In the 1960s, the constitution was amended to allow women to inherit the crown, following significant intellectual debates.
❖ In the Reign of King Adrien II
King **Adrien de Montemar**, the former monarch, is remembered as one of Europe's most popular and just kings—a bold reformer whose decisions often sparked controversy but left a lasting impact.
He made his first public appearance at the age of eight and became widely admired for launching large-scale cultural and economic initiatives, helping reshape modern French identity.
His reign had long-term implications for the country's future—particularly after he became linked with a prestigious ducal family, **the House of Leclair**, whose lineage traces back to a former duchess of the crown. This connection rekindled public discussion about a **symbolic unification of the two most historic noble lines** in modern France.
The current monarch is **King William II**, ruling alongside **Queen Charlène**, and the crown prince is **Dauphin Adrien III**.