Ranavalona III
Last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar (1861-1917) · Politicians · Died at 55
Ranavalona III was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar. She ruled from 30 July 1883 to 28 February 1897 in a reign marked by ultimately futile efforts to resist the colonial designs of the government of France. As a young woman, she was selected to succeed Queen Ranavalona II.
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The queen standing next to the Royal crown and sceptre![Pith helmet in the Second French Empire style, worn by soldiers in the army of Ranavalona III.[16] The inscription reads "Ranavalona III, [is the] Ruler of Madagascar" (displayed at the Musée de l'Armée).](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Musee-de-lArmee-IMG_0976.jpg/1280px-Musee-de-lArmee-IMG_0976.jpg)
Pith helmet in the Second French Empire style, worn by soldiers in the army of Ranavalona III.[16] The inscription reads "Ranavalona III, [is the] Ruler of Madagascar" (displayed at the Musée de l'Armée).
Merina soldiers fought to preserve Malagasy sovereignty against the French invasion.
French troops landing in Mahajanga in 1895
Ranavalona conceded defeat to the French in September 1895, marking the end of the Merina monarchy.
The queen in exile on Réunion
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About this person
Like both preceding queens, Ranavalona entered a political marriage with a member of the Hova elite named Rainilaiarivony, who largely oversaw the day-to-day governance of the kingdom and managed its foreign affairs in his role as prime minister. Ranavalona tried to stave off colonization by strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with foreign powers throughout her reign, but French attacks on coastal port towns and an assault on the capital city of Antananarivo led to the capture of the royal palace in 1895, ending the sovereignty and political autonomy of the centuries-old kingdom.
