Royalty & Nobility · 18th Century
Marie Antoinette’s Last Words
“Pardon me, sir, I did not do it on purpose.”— Marie Antoinette, October 16, 1793
Who Was Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette was the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. Born an Austrian archduchess, she married King Louis XVI at age 14 and became a symbol of royal excess.
The Final Moments
Her final words were spoken to her executioner after she accidentally stepped on his foot while ascending the scaffold at the Place de la Révolution in Paris.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple eyewitnesses at the public execution reported this apology to executioner Charles-Henri Sanson. The incident was documented in contemporary records and widely reported.
Sources
- firsthand Eyewitness accounts from execution
- archive Contemporary French revolutionary records
- firsthand Abbé Edgeworth account
Legacy
Marie Antoinette remains one of history's most iconic and controversial queens, inspiring countless films, books, and artistic works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Marie Antoinette’s last words?
“Pardon me, sir, I did not do it on purpose.”
How did Marie Antoinette die?
Marie Antoinette died on October 16, 1793 at the age of 37. Cause of death: Guillotine execution.
Were Marie Antoinette’s last words documented?
Multiple eyewitnesses at the public execution reported this apology to executioner Charles-Henri Sanson. The incident was documented in contemporary records and widely reported.
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