Why the plan to bring Napoleon III’s remains back from England never succeeded

Jordan Bardella has revived a long-standing French political idea: bringing Napoleon III’s remains back from England. He raised the proposal during a visit to Birmingham intended to cement cooperation between France’s National Rally and Reform UK on migration.

Napoleon III, France’s first president and later its last monarch, has rested since 1873 in a crypt at Saint Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough, about 50 kilometers from London. He lies there beside his wife, Eugénie, and their son.

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We would not be opposed to the return of Napoleon III’s remains to France

Bardella linked the proposal to cultural cooperation discussed during his meetings with Nigel Farage. “We would not be opposed to the return of Napoleon III’s remains to France,” he said at a news conference.

The idea has also been associated with Christian Estrosi and Marine Le Pen, but previous efforts have produced no result. The British side has indicated that it might be possible to return the remains, while warning that legal obstacles could prevent it.

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There are many ancient objects that I oppose returning. But in this case, if they want them, I think we can give them back. Legal obstacles could nevertheless stand in the way.