Ο Charles I (Charles Philippe, 1757-1836) was King of France from 1824 until his deposition in 1830. He was born Charles-Philippe, second son of Louis-Philippe XV and Marie-Antoinette, and belonged to the Bourbon dynasty. His reign was marked by controversial policies that failed to quell the growing social and political tensions in France. In 1830, after the ‘Three Glories’, he was forced to abdicate and exiled to England.

As far as Freemasonry was concerned, Charles I was a member of the Brotherhood and indeed his membership was well known. He was a member of lodges, in keeping with the climate of the time when European rulers often took an interest in the Masonic Brotherhood.

Charles I’s association with Freemasonry enhanced his reputation as a supporter of Enlightenment ideas and social reform.

Charles I’s reign was short and turbulent, with his exile being the culmination of the revolutionary turmoil of his time.