The ghostly Queen who appeared during the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris has caused quite a stir, not least because of the appearance of a ghostly Queen.

Queen Marie Antoinette, born Archduchess of Austria, was the wife of King Louis XVI of France. She spent her final days in the very building she has now made an appearance again – the Conciergerie.

Marie Antoinette had been separated from her son in early July 1793 while the family was still imprisoned in the Temple. She remained with her sister-in-law Madame Élisabeth and her daughter Marie Thérèse until she was moved to the Conciergerie in the early hours of 2 August 1793. Three hackney carriages and a body of soldiers awaited her, and they led her through the dark city to the Conciergerie. “Prisoner no 280” arrived just as dawn began to break. When asked upon entry what her name was, she replied, “Look at me.”¹

A replica of the cell (not in the original location) – Photo by Moniek Bloks

After she arrived in her own cell, Marie Antoinette undressed herself. A maid named Rosalie offered to help, but Marie Antoinette told her, “Thank you, my child. But since I no longer have anyone [of my household] with me, I will look after myself.”²

On 11 September, Marie Antoinette was moved to another cell after the Carnation Plot, a plan to help her escape, and she was interrogated for two long days. Still, she remained at the Conciergerie until the start of her trial in October.

On 16 October 1793, Queen Marie Antoinette was escorted from her cell and an open cart waited to take Marie Antoinette to the place of her execution. Just after noon, Marie Antoinette reached the guillotine, and the crowds fell silent. As she climbed the steps, someone shouted, “The infamous Autrichienne, she’s screwed!”³ She accidentally stepped on the executioner’s foot and quickly apologised, “Sir, I beg your pardon; I did not do it on purpose.”⁴ As the final preparations were made, Marie Antoinette prayed. She was then tied to the plank, and her head was held in place by the wood.

With a pull of the cord, the blade fell – ending her life. She was 37 years old.

1. Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser p.496
2. Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser p.496
3. Marie Antoinette’s Darkest Days by Will Bashor p.252
4. Marie Antoinette’s Darkest Days by Will Bashor p.252