Louis XV

Louis XV, also known as Louis the Beloved, was the King of France who played a major role in eliminating the royal authority and contributed to the French Revolution, which started in 1789. He was the second longest-serving French monarch, having served for 59 years. He was only topped by his great-grandfather and predecessor Louis XIV.

During his lifespan of 64 years, Louis XV fathered 24 children, ten of whom were born to his wife, Marie Leszczyńska. Sadly, his only legitimate and surviving son, Louise, Dauphine of France, died in 1765, which allowed his grandson, Louis XVI, to take over the throne following his death in 1774.