Maria Josepha of Saxony, Dauphine of France

Dauphine of France (1731-1767)

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Lived 1731–1767, aged 36Germany

Germany Historical Figures

Wikipedia
35 languages
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Era
1731–1767
Aged 36
Awards
1
recognised work

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

She never ruled France, but three of her sons did. Maria Josepha of Saxony married the heir and died before he took the throne — yet her children became Louis XVI, Louis XVIII, and Charles X.

Biography

About

Maria Josepha Karolina Eleonore Franziska Xaviera was born in Saxony on 4 November 1731. She married Louis, son and heir of Louis XV, becoming Dauphine of France — first lady in waiting, never queen. She bore him children who would reshape the monarchy's final arc: Louis XVI, who lost his head to the Revolution; Louis XVIII, who returned after Napoleon; and Charles X, the last Bourbon king of France. She also gave France the Queen of Sardinia and Madame Élisabeth. Maria Josepha died on 13 March 1767, years before her husband could inherit, leaving a nursery of future sovereigns behind.

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