Death of Prince Imperial, Louis Napoleon, in 1879

ON April 1, 1879, Louis Napoleon, Prince Imperial of France, arrived in Durban for attachment to the British forces as an observer. The Mercury wrote: “The volunteer movement in Natal has received an illustrious recruit in the person of Prince Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial, who has borne his exile with much dignity, modesty and good sense.”

Explaining his reason for coming to Natal, the prince said: “For the past eight years I have been the guest of England. My education has been completed at a military school and I have strengthened my ties of friendship with the British army by taking part in its annual manoeuvres.

“I could not remain aloof and not share the dangers and fatigues of the troops among whom I have so many friends.

“Moreover, the time spent in witnessing this struggle of civilisation against barbarians will not be wasted on me.”

The Mercury commented: “In these words it has been shown the Prince has by no means forgotten his aspirations or lost faith in the wonderful destiny of his family. The will of France is his law and when France may want him he will be ready to obey the call.”

Two months later, on June 4, The Mercury announced sombrely between thick black rules: “We profoundly deplore having to admit the truth of the rumour contained in yesterday’s paper to the effect that the brave and generous Prince Imperial of France had been shot. It appears to be true.”

The report went on to describe how the prince had gone out from the camp with two or three other officers on a scouting exercise. The party had off-saddled by a mealie field and were on the point of remounting when a volley was fired.

His colleagues managed to mount and flee but the prince failed. His body was subsequently found not only with gunshot wounds but also with many assegai wounds.

“It is impossible in this issue to do more than record thus baldly this tragic and most distressing incident which is a calamity for South Africa, for Britain, France and the world at large.

“It is beyond measure sad that so sudden and unhappy an end should have closed the career of the chivalrous Prince who so nobly placed his services at the disposal of the country that had given him a home.”