France hasn’t had a king since 1848, yet here we are in 2026, still talking about it. Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest quirks of French culture. You’ve got a country that is fiercely, almost aggressively Republican, but they just can't quit their royal history. If you head to a Parisian café and bring up the "pretenders," you’re likely to start a three-way argument that hasn't changed much in 150 years.
There isn't just one guy waiting in the wings. There are three. Depending on which historical rabbit hole you fall down—or which specific branch of the family tree you think is "legit"—the answer to who would be king of France today changes completely. It’s basically the ultimate historical "choose your own adventure."
The Legitimist Choice: Louis de Bourbon
If you’re a traditionalist who believes the crown follows the absolute senior male line, then Louis Alphonse de Bourbon is your man. His supporters call him Louis XX.
Louis is a 51-year-old banker who lives in Madrid. He’s actually a great-grandson of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, which makes him a "Spanish Bourbon." This is where things get messy. To be the "Legitimist" heir, you have to be the senior descendant of Louis XIV. Louis Alphonse is that guy. But, because his branch of the family took the Spanish throne centuries ago, they technically renounced their rights to the French one.
His fans don't care. They argue those old treaties (like the Treaty of Utrecht) are invalid under "the fundamental laws of the kingdom." Basically, they think you can’t "quit" being the heir. It’s in your blood.
In late 2025, amid the political friction in France, Louis made some waves by urging the French people to look to their "monarchic heritage" for stability. He’s active on social media, often sharing family photos with his wife, Princess Marie-Marguerite, and their four kids. Just this January, he posted a 2026 New Year's message wishing for "peace and harmony" for "our dear country." He doesn't live in France, but he definitely acts like he’s on call.
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The Orléanist Choice: Jean d'Orléans
Now, if you like your kings a bit more "French" and a lot more constitutional, you’re looking at Jean d'Orléans, Count of Paris.
Jean is the descendant of Louis Philippe I, the "Citizen King" who ruled until 1848. The Orléanists are the "liberal" branch. They argue that because the Spanish Bourbons (Louis Alphonse’s line) gave up their rights, the crown passed to the younger Orléans branch.
Jean actually lives in France. He’s 60, has five children, and is deeply involved in French heritage. He’s often seen at commemorations and historical events. For many French monarchists, he’s the "practical" choice. He’s not a Spanish aristocrat; he’s a French guy who pays French taxes and understands the modern French vibe.
The rivalry between the Legitimists and Orléanists is legendary. It’s like a centuries-old family feud that just won't die. One side says, "You’re Spanish, go home," and the other says, "You’re a junior branch, you don't count."
The Wildcard: Jean-Christophe Napoléon
Then there’s the guy with the most famous name in history. Jean-Christophe Napoléon Bonaparte.
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Technically, he wouldn't be "King"—he’d be Emperor Napoléon VII.
Jean-Christophe is 39, a Harvard MBA, and a high-flying private equity pro in London. He’s the great-great-great-grand-nephew of Napoléon I. Unlike the other two, he doesn't spend much time making political proclamations. He’s busy running Leon Capital, his investment firm.
His story is straight out of a movie. In 2019, he married Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg. Why does that matter? Because she’s the great-granddaughter of the last Austrian Emperor. This effectively reunited the Bonaparte line with the House of Habsburg—the very family Napoléon I married into to try and legitimize his own empire.
Jean-Christophe is the modern face of Bonapartism. He represents a "strong leader" vibe rather than a "divine right" vibe. Even though he’s focused on finance, he still shows up at the Invalides in Paris every year to honor his ancestor.
Why Does This Still Matter in 2026?
You might think this is all just LARPing for rich people. Sorta. But in a country like France, where people are constantly protesting and the government is often in a deadlock, the idea of a "unifying" figure who is above politics starts to look attractive to some.
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France's Fifth Republic has been feeling the strain lately. When things get chaotic, people start googling who would be king of France today as a form of political escapism.
- Legitimists want a return to tradition and Catholic values.
- Orléanists want a constitutional system, similar to the UK or Spain.
- Bonapartists want a strong, charismatic leader who gets things done.
The reality? None of these guys are likely to sit on a throne in the Louvre anytime soon. France is a Republic to its core. But these three men serve as "living museums." They remind the French of where they came from, even if they aren't sure where they're going.
How to Follow the "Royals" Today
If you’re curious about following this ongoing saga, here’s how to stay updated:
- Check the Official Sites: Both the House of Bourbon and the House of Orléans maintain official websites (mostly in French) where they post their "royal" decrees and holiday messages.
- Follow the History: Look into the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). It’s the legal document at the heart of the Bourbon vs. Orléans fight. Understanding why the Spanish line was "disqualified" is key.
- Visit the Landmarks: Go to the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris. It’s where most French kings are buried. Standing among the tombs makes the whole "pretender" thing feel a lot more real.
- Watch the Commemorations: Every year on January 21 (the anniversary of Louis XVI's execution), the pretenders or their representatives usually hold a mass. It’s the best time to see the supporters in their element.
The French monarchy is a ghost, but it’s a ghost that still has a lot to say. Whether you’re Team Bourbon, Team Orléans, or Team Bonaparte, the drama is better than anything on Netflix.