The Complex Father-Son Dynamic Between Napoleon Bonaparte and Eugène de Beauharnais

One often wonders whether the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and his stepson, Eugène de Beauharnais, could be considered the closest father-son relationship of his life. Just like in many father-son relationships, there were misunderstandings and at times even rivalries. Early in Eugène's teens, he was just 14 when he met Napoleon for the first time. Although historians often debate the extent of Napoleon's care for Josephine's children, it is evident from his letters that he was attentive to Eugène and his sister Hortense.

Napoleon's Concern and Early Support

Napoleon often wrote about the children in his letters, mentioning when they wrote to him or when he sent them gifts. By the time Eugène finished school at 16, he became Napoleon's aide-de-camp and accompanied him on his journey to Egypt. It was during this time that their first major disagreement occurred.

The First Quarrel

While in Egypt, Napoleon received news that Josephine was having an affair with Hippolyte Charles while Paris was under his control. This led Napoleon to initiate his own relationship, which caused Eugène considerable embarrassment. Desiring to escape this humiliating situation, Eugène requested to be transferred to a regiment instead of remaining as Napoleon's aide-de-camp. Although prompted by Berthier to talk with Napoleon, this conversation resolved the issue, and Eugène was no longer required to attend his stepfather humiliatingly.

Letters and Formality

What remains interesting is the formal tone of the letters Napoleon and Eugène exchanged. Napoleon addressed Eugène formally using the "vous" instead of the more personal "tu." This contrast with Napoleon's behavior when writing to his other in-laws, such as King Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria, whom he referred to as "mon bon père" or "my good father." Even in his personal correspondence, Eugène consistently referred to Napoleon as "Bonaparte" or "the emperor," highlighting the formal and distant relationship.

The Decline in Trust and Influence

As time progressed, Napoleon began to view Eugène as more of a political problem rather than as his replacement as heir. This became evident during the early years of the Empire when Eugène's role as a cavalry leader and his overall behavior centered attention in France. However, this focus started to wane with the declaration of the Empire and Napoleon's siblings pushing the Beauharnais family to the side.

The Russo-French Campaign and Further Estrangement

The relationship deteriorated even further during the Russian campaign of 1812. When Napoleon was in Paris, Eugène was tasked with salvaging the remnants of the Grand Armée, which was in an increasingly desperate situation in Germany. Daily scolding from Napoleon and the increasingly hostile environment of the campaign added to the strain on their relationship. This period marked a significant decline in trust, with Eugène fearing Napoleon's attempts to take his family hostage when he returned to Italy with his wife.

Final Interactions During Napoleon's Exile

Despite personal differences, Eugène remained supportive of Napoleon throughout his exile. After Napoleon’s abdication, Eugène was the one who informed him of his exile to Elba. When Josephine died, Eugène was the one to notify Napoleon. Even during Napoleon's final days on Saint Helena, Eugène took care of him and sent money for his support.

Ultimately, the relationship between Napoleon and Eugène illustrates the complexities of the stepfather-son dynamic, where initial bonds and formal interactions could be overshadowed by political and personal differences. Despite these challenges, Eugène's enduring loyalty to Napoleon until the very end speaks to the significance of their relationship.