Ο Louis XI of France (Louis XVIII or Louis Stanislas Xavier, 1755-1824) was the first Bourbon to ascend the throne of France after the Restoration of 1814, following the fall of Napoleon. Born Louis Stanislas Xavier, he was the younger brother of Louis XVI and lived in exile during the French Revolution and Napoleon’s Empire.

During his reign (1814-1824, with a break during the Hundred Days), he tried to strike a balance between the supporters of the monarchy and the liberals who wanted political reforms. He introduced the Charter of 1814, a kind of constitutional monarchy that included certain liberties but maintained strong royal authority. Despite his desire to reconcile the conflicting factions, he faced difficulties as political and social tensions remained high.

As far as Freemasonry is concerned, Louis XI was a member of a lodge and participated in masonic activities. His political and religious position determined his attitude towards Freemasonry.

Louis XI died on 16 September 1824 in Paris and was succeeded by his younger brother Charles I.