Figure 1.-- Napoleon III helped set up an Austruan Archduke, Maximillian in power as Emperor of Mexico (1863). And Napoleon committed French troops to maintain Maximillan im power. So the Prince Imperial may have worn this outfit sometime beginning about 1863. The label seems to indicate that it was made in Mexico. Maximillian may have sent it to the Prince Imperial as aWe doubt if the Royal Family went to Mexico. The sutuation was too unstable there. There may, however, been occassions n Paris, perhaps for Maximillian's ambassador. The Prince Imperial could have wore the outfit with Maximillian's wife, Empress Carlota, paid a state visit to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie at Les Tuileries to request additional financial and military aid.

One of the more interesting items made for the Prince Imperial was a Mexican Charro outfit made for the Prince Imperial. A Charro is a Mexican cowboy, especially from Jalisco. Napoleon III helped set up an Austruan Archduke, Maximillian in power as Emperor of Mexico (1863). And Napoleon committed French troops to maintain Maximillan im power. So the Prince Imperial may have worn this outfit sometime beginning about 1863. The label seems to indicate that it was made in Mexico. Maximillian may have sent it to the Prince Imperial as aWe doubt if the Royal Family went to Mexico. The sutuation was too unstable there. There may, however, been occassions n Paris, perhaps for Maximillian's ambassador. The Prince Imperial could have wore the outfit with Maximillian's wife, Empress Carlota, paid a state visit to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie at Les Tuileries to request additional financial and military aid. Maximillian as the situation deterirted in Mexico, made sure she got out to safety. Her petitions were refused and Carlota in turn actually insulted the Emperor and his wife by referring to their humble origins. Maximillian's refime deteriorated after the American Civil War when the United States began pressuring France and the cost of intervention escalated.

Created: 2:44 AM 12/2/2011
Last updated: 2:44 AM 12/2/2011