Marie Antoinette's arrival and marriage (1770)

In 1770, Marie Antoinette married the Dauphin, Louis-Auguste, to strengthen the Franco-Austrian alliance. The union was sealed by a proxy ceremony in Vienna and a formal wedding at Versailles. While the couple initially failed to consummate the marriage, they eventually became closer over time.

Episodes

Background and detail

Diplomatic Context. The marriage was orchestrated to secure a definitive peace and strengthen the Franco-Austrian alliance against Prussia and Great Britain. In 1769, Marie Antoinette was betrothed to Louis-Auguste, the Dauphin of France. This political union was formalized through a proxy ceremony in Vienna before the bride traveled to France.

Wedding Ceremonies. After meeting her husband at Compiègne in May 1770, the couple held a ceremonial wedding at the Palace of Versailles on 16 May. The festivities concluded with the ritual bedding. The event also marked the inauguration of the Royal Opera of Versailles, which had been under construction since 1748.

Marital Consummation. Despite the formal wedding in 1770, the marriage was reportedly consummated in July 1773, though some accounts suggest it did not actually happen until 1777. Historical accounts suggest Louis XVI may have suffered from a physical dysfunction, such as phimosis, which was first noted by royal doctors in late 1772.

People involved

Sources

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