Anniversary of Napoleon's coronation and the victory of Austerlitz, December 2 is of particular importance on this bicentenary of the Emperor's death.
One of his relatives, General Gudin, whose remains were found in Russia in 2019 will be buried at the Invalides in the presence of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Geneviève Darrieussecq.
After a eulogy on his part, the coffin will join Turenne, Lyautey and Foch in this military temple.
Jean Castex, positive for Covid-19, will not preside over the ceremony.
Read alsoThe return of the mortal remains of an Empire general
He was finally greeted at Le Bourget airport as announced by
Le Figaro
in the presence of Geneviève Darrieussecq and a detachment of the Republican Guard. "
Gudin's burial is an integral part of the bicentenary, it is a beautiful way to end the year Napoleon on this date so symbolic of the coronation and Austerlitz
", summarizes Prince Joachim Murat, descendant of the famous rider.
“He
was a very good general in the armies of the Revolution, then of the Empire. He played a key role in Auerstaedt and Eylau. Close to the Emperor, he is a fairly emblematic character of these families of the Ancien Régime who joined the Revolution and the Empire,
”he continues. "
With the great victory of Auerstaedt, he is undoubtedly the first general to enter Berlin
", confirms Alberic of Orleans, descendant of General Gudin.
In 2019, after several excavations in the citadel of Smolensk (Russia), Pierre Malinowski, a sulphurous personality both close to the Kremlin and to French far-right circles, found his remains.
For him, the blow was twofold: to bring back a French general who died 209 years ago and to bring Russia and France closer together.
He then campaigned for a return of General Gudin with great pomp, which would involve the two countries.
The Russian ambassador is expected to be present during the ceremony.