Discover the history of the British Bonapartes, their lives in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and their relationship to the Royal Family of Great Britain.
Date: Wednesday 24 February 2027
Time: 18.00 - 19.30
Duration: 90 minutes
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea State Apartments (enter via Chelsea Gate).
Tickets: £30 per person (includes a complimentary drink)
Whilst Napoleon Bonaparte is familiar to most of us, little is known about his wider family, that they lived much of their lives here in London and the UK, and that they became quite British themselves.
Napoleon III for example lived many years in exile in the West End of London, fought a duel on Wimbledon Common, and briefly served as a volunteer police constable. His son and heir died in British uniform in South Africa. For many years, the Imperial Family of France was closely connected to the British Royal family. Not only were they close with Queen Victoria, but Prince Philip's aunt was a (scandalous) Bonaparte Princess who had significant influence over the future Duke of Edinburgh's life. We will discuss the wider Bonaparte family, their lives in England, Scotland and Ireland, their relationship to the Royal family of Great Britain, and the King's 'real' surname - Glucksburg.
Additional Information
Edward Hilary Davis was educated at Lancing College, Royal Holloway, and Cambridge. He has worked as a researcher at His Majesty’s College of Arms, London, and as a medals specialist at Spink, Cleave, and Vaughtons. A historical advisor for film and TV productions, he has also served as President of the Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society, a Councillor of the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland, and is co-organiser of the 2022 and 2026 Royal Versailles Ball. Edward Hilary Davis is author of The British Bonapartes: Napoleon's Family in Britain (Pen & Sword, 2022), and All The King's Father's: The paternal ancestry of King Charles III and the House of Glucksburg (Palfrey, 2025).
Schedule:
- 18:00 - 18:30: Drinks reception in the State Apartments
- 18:30 - 19:15: Lecture
- 19:15 - 19:30: Q&A
All ticket revenue supports the ongoing care and wellbeing of our Chelsea Pensioners