Royalty & Nobility · 18th Century
Louis XVI’s Last Words
“I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge. I pardon those who have occasioned my death.”— Louis XVI, January 21, 1793
Who Was Louis XVI?
Louis XVI was the last King of France before the Revolution. A decent but indecisive man, he was overwhelmed by the political and financial crises that led to the French Revolution.
The Final Moments
Louis was executed at the Place de la Révolution in Paris before a large crowd. He attempted to address them from the scaffold but his voice was drowned out by drums.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple eyewitness accounts from the execution exist in contemporary Revolutionary records and newspapers. While drums drowned out part of his speech, witnesses close to the scaffold recorded his words.
Sources
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper accounts
- archive Witness depositions
- academic David P. Jordan 'The King's Trial'
Legacy
Louis's execution marked the end of absolute monarchy in France and horrified the royal courts of Europe, triggering wars against revolutionary France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Louis XVI’s last words?
“I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge. I pardon those who have occasioned my death.”
How did Louis XVI die?
Louis XVI died on January 21, 1793 at the age of 38. Cause of death: Execution by guillotine.
Were Louis XVI’s last words documented?
Multiple eyewitness accounts from the execution exist in contemporary Revolutionary records and newspapers. While drums drowned out part of his speech, witnesses close to the scaffold recorded his words.
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