Did Josephine Truly Love Napoleon?

History is rife with kings, queens, political figures, and emperors in loveless marriages. These unions usually happened for diplomatic reasons. Either way, they often fooled the public into thinking that these two soulmates had found each other. Here are 20 historical romances that weren't true love.

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1. Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI

This historical marriage was designed to further stabilize the political alliance between Austria and France. There was little personal affection, and Louis XVI was shy and more infatuated with his locksmithing hobby. Marie Antoinette, on the other hand, longed for freedom. 

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun on Wikimedia

2. Catherine the Great and Peter III of Russia

This marriage is of great historical importance, but its purpose was to strengthen ties within the Russian monarchy. The marriage deteriorated quite fast as Peter was immature and erratic, which was no match for Catherine's ambition and intelligence.

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3. Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves

This is one marriage that didn't end well. Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves for diplomatic reasons, aiming to improve his reputation and strengthen his alliance with German Protestant states. Anne never met Henry's expectations, and Henry annulled it after six months. 

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4. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

Despite finding love later in their marriage, the early years of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's "romance" were not rooted in any form of love. This was an arranged union with royal expectations, and they suffered many political disagreements and were emotionally disconnected.

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5. Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais

Napoleon adored Josephine, but the feeling was not mutual. Josephine's initial interest was based on security and status. Eventually, their relationship fractured over infidelity on both sides.

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6. King George IV and Caroline of Brunswick

The early years of this marriage were a disaster. It was dislike at first sight for George, and Caroline found him to be repulsive. They spent most of their marriage apart, and George tried to block Caroline from attending his coronation. 

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7. Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain

Louis XIV agreed to marry Maria Theresa to form a peace agreement between France and Spain. She reportedly cared for him, but Louis was never emotionally invested in the marriage and had many mistresses.

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8. Julius Caesar and Calpurnia

Caesar's marriage to Calpurnia was only meant to help his standing in Rome. Calpurnia was loyal and devoted, but Caesar was completely uninterested in forming a relationship with his wife. 

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9. Mary, Queen of Scots and Francis II

These two were married young to solidify the alliance between Scotland and France. They never developed any type of loving bond. Francis was shy and frail, and Mary only cared for him out of duty. This marriage was strategic and nothing else.

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10. King Tutankhamun and Ankhesnamun

These two married within the Egyptian royal family to preserve a dynasty and its purity. The union was purely political and religious, and without a shred of affection. 

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11. Eleanor of of Aquitained and Louis VII of France

This marriage was meant to bring together powerful territories, but the couple was completely incompatible. Louis was reserved and deeply religious, whereas Eleanor was bold and astute. This led to years of tension between the two. 

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12. King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza

This marriage was good for England's alliance with Portugal, but it was not built on a foundation of love. Catherine exercised as much patience as she could muster, but Charles never showed any signs of devotion. 

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13. Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary I of England

This marriage was strategically designed to create a formidable Catholic alliance, but both parties were uncomfortable with the union. Mary displayed some emotional investment, but Philip treated it as a diplomatic action and obligation. 

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14. Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong

Wu Zetian's marriage to Emperor Gaozong started when she was brought into the palace as a concubine. Their marriage was political in nature and featured more manipulation than acts of love.

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15. King Edward II and Isabella of France

Edward II's affection was never centered on Isabella, who was neglected and often humiliated. Their marriage secured some peace between England and France, but it was incredibly bitter.

Founder of Oriel College, after a painting in the Bodleian Library (colour engraving) by English School (19th century) on Wikimedia

16. Emperor Constantine VI and Maria of Amnia

This marriage was arranged to create a stronger political alliance within Byzantium. Constantine had no interest in Maria and eventually divorced her for another woman. 

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17. King James II and Anne Hyde

James married Anne only to get her pregnant, meaning it was more about duty than love and romance. Anne was bright and politically aware, but James's interest in her was short-lived at best. His focus was more on his mistresses and religious concerns. 

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18. Emperor Nero and Octavia

Nero's marriage to Octavia was for the purpose of cementing his political legitimacy, and it was emotionally empty throughout. Nero was an abusive and volatile emperor who favored his mistresses while ignoring his wife.

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19. Queen Anne and Prince George of Denmark

Although they shared a mutual respect, the union between Anne and Prince George was entirely for political suitability. They did bond over some shared experiences, such as repeated pregnancies and losses, but this marriage wasn't a sweeping romance for the ages.

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20. Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako

This union was arranged within strict Japanese imperial traditions. The couple performed their ceremonial duties and presented a harmonious marriage to the public, but there was no love or intimacy. Their political roles left little room for personal connection.

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