Thanks you for mentioning it here...! I think I also saw a recent article about this. If I find it again, I will post it here....
Thanks Lucien!
I also found this:
Descendant of Napoléon Bonaparte visits FSU
Institute on Napoleon and the French Revolution hosts Charles Napoleon as guest lecturer
Alicia Adams
"Charles Napoleon is the great-great grandson of Jerome Bonaparte, who is Napoleon's youngest brother," said Rafe Blaufarb, a history professor at FSU.
Since Napoleon I and Napoleon II of France do not have legitimate male heirs, Jerome's descendants are the only Imperial Bonapartes in the family line. Since Charles Napoleon is the oldest member of his family, he is currently the closest descendant to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon has written two books on Napoleonic topics, titled Bonaparte and Paoli, and The Bonapartes: Rebels at Heart. He earned a doctorate in economics at the Sorbonne in France and has held many job titles, ranging from banker to real estate developer.
"He has held a number of eminent positions in international Napoleonic Historical Associations," Blaufarb said. "He is currently the honorary president of the International Napoleonic Society. He is also the founding president of the very interesting association called the European Federation of Napoleonic cities, which groups approximately 40 European cities from about seven countries into an organization devoted to exploring the Napoleonic past that they all share."
Napoleon's lecture answered the question: What does it mean to bear the name Napoleon today? He started with a joke and then explained much of his family history.
"In fact, it's a really good question because when people look at me, they may not immediately realize the relation I have with Napoleon Bonaparte," Napoleon said. "They probably think, 'you're so tall!' or maybe worse, 'you are so little, and you are so tall.'"
Napoleon was born in France in 1950, along with his twin sister, Catherine. He was baptized by Pope John XXIII when he was serving as a bishop in France. Despite the perks of his heritage, he talked about how his life was very protected during his childhood.
"I went to school in a Jesuit school, and my social relations were highly surveyed," Napoleon said. "For instance, I couldn't go out without parties organized to meet girls because of the social origin I had."
In 1968, however, when Napoleon was 18, he started to see the world differently.
"I was surprised by the difference of life that I had in my home and the reality of the world," Napoleon said. "So I decided to leave and do my life by myself."
Although Napoleon is a part of a historically rich and imperial family, he does not consider himself better than other French citizens.
"I refuse to consider myself a member of any royal or imperial dynasty," Napoleon said. "I am a member of this family, but this family is not for me a dynasty in the royal comprehension of the word. I am a French citizen with the same rights and the same duties that all French people have."
Some students consider having the name Napoleon as a way of remembering history.
"Bearing the name Napoleon today means to be part of a legacy, to be part of a time in history when France was at its pinnacle," said FSU sophomore Krysta Markus.
As students learn the history of the world, Napoleon believes that Napoleon Bonaparte is a name they come to know sooner or later.
"Napoleon Bonaparte is a French hero and a military hero," Napoleon said. "He is one of the few historical figures that can emerge from globalized history and culture. Everyone knows Napoleon Bonaparte."
Currently, the Institute on Napoleon and the French Revolution at FSU is the only program of its kind in the United States.
"In fact, you won't find anything like it outside of France," Blaufarb said.
Napoleon commented on the various resources FSU has for students. He mentioned that Strozier library has over nine million books, whereas the university in France only has around one million.
"I am very proud that FSU has an interest in Napoleon Bonaparte," Napoleon said. "I think that the work of historians is to transform the worldwide interest by having a real historical understanding of who he was and what he did."
Students also said that it is important to study Napoleonic history and its impact on the world.
"The significance of studying Napoleonic history today shows recognition of a leader and his examples of military and political genius, which in some ways are still applicable," Markus said.
Napoleon believes that history is very important and connects perople throughout the world.
"In our world, history has to play a very important role," Napoleon said. "From my personal and professional experiences, history is the bridge between the past and the present and the bridge between individuals and our society. There is a very big difference between individual memory and history, and I believe that history is a part of democracy."
