Grand maréchal du palais
Grand maréchal du palais (Grand Marshal of the Palace) was the title of head of the imperial household in Napoleonic France . It was one of the most prestigious posts under Napoléon I.
tasks
The tasks of the Grand maréchal du palais were based on the ideas of Napoléon, the post was therefore established with the creation of the Empire in May 1804. The provisions for this were laid down on the 28th Messidor on XII (July 17th, 1804). Because of the special nature of the position, they remained little known, also because the post was only given to a total of three people.
The Grand maréchal du palais played a special role as a kind of prime minister in a state within a state - the imperial budget. This comprised more than 2,700 people during the duration of the empire. The post holder was also responsible for the military command in the imperial palaces, for the safety of the imperial family and their relatives, and for the staff. He was responsible for controlling entrances and exits to the palaces, their maintenance, embellishment and furnishing. He oversees the apartments of the members of the imperial family and their guests, the general services of the palace with the caretakers, the servants, the bodyguards, the porters, the gardeners, and finally the staff for the wells and water supply. He was also responsible for the kitchens and serving dishes. If the emperor set out on a campaign or a trip, the Grand maréchal du palais had to take care of the preparations. The budget of the Grand maréchal du palais alone amounted to 10 percent of the emperor's total personal budget.
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carrier
- May 18, 1804 to May 23, 1813: Géraud Christophe Michel Duroc duc de Frioul;
- May 25, 1813 to November 17, 1813: Armand Augustin Louis de Caulaincourt duc de Vicence, par interim;
- November 18, 1813 to May 5, 1821: Henri-Gatien Bertrand comte Bertrand, in exile on the island of St. Helena until the Emperor's death.
dress
The uniform at court was officially established. There was also a "small costume" (petit costume), designed by Isabey , which was worn for the coronation of the emperor on December 2, 1804. It was made of white silk with a cloak of amaranth silk. The decorations consisted of silver braids.
Any clothing had to be paid for by the incumbent himself.
heraldry
As a sign of its dignity, the Grand maréchal du palais wore a badge showing two crossed marshal's baton. These were covered with blue velvet and sprinkled with the imperial bees. The heads were designed as an imperial crown.