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Archchancellor of the Empire
Archichancelier de l'Empire
Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present)
Department overview
Formed 18 May 1804 (1804-05-18) / 20 March 1815 (1815-03-20)
Dissolved 14 April 1814 (1814-04-14) / 22 June 1815 (1815-06-22)
Jurisdiction French Empire
Headquarters Luxembourg Palace, Isle-de-France
Department executive
  • Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès
Parent department Council of State

The Archchancellor of the Empire (French) was a political position of the First French Empire established in 1804 under the Emperor of the French, Napoléon I. The position was disestablished in 1814 following Napoléon's abdication, but later recreated during the Hundred Days and finally disestablished in July 1815. Unofficially the position was successor to the Chief Minister of France and predecessor to the Minister of Finance (informally).

Titles[]

Appointed for life by the Emperor, irremovable, the great dignitaries of the Empire enjoy the same honours as the French princes and take rank immediately after them. By right, they are senators and councilors of state and enjoy a comfortable pension equivalent to that of princes. The Chancellors formed part of the Emperor's Grand Council and are members of the Privy Council. An Imperial Decree dated 31 March 1806, bearing a statue of the imperial family provides that, in addition to the archchancellor of the Empire who is a member by right, the oldest of the great dignitaries is a member of the family council. Article 31 provides that if a great dignitary forgets his duties, the Emperor can inflict arrest, removal or exile on him for a period not exceeding one year. These dignities are essentially honorary titles although certain functions are attached to them by the constitution.[1][2]

Role[]

The Archchancellor of the Empire is responsible for the 'Imperial Seal', ie; the Empire's finances and responsible for all financial matters when the Emperor was campaigning. In the absence of the Emperor, the chancellor is the head of the Empire's administration and presides as President of the Senate (Upper House), Council of State (Executive Board of the Empire), and the Tribunate (Highest Judicial).[1][3]

As Chancellor of the Imperial Palace, the Archchancellor is also responsible for the civil status of the Imperial family. He presides over the Imperial High Court and attends of the annual meeting at which the Minister of Justice reports to the Emperor on possible abuses of the administration of justice.[1][3]

Lastly, the Archchancellor of the Empire also presents the other holders of great dignitary titles, the ministries, and the high civil offices of the Crown and First President of the Court of Cassation the oath to the Emperor.[1][3]

Other Ministers[]

Though only one person, Jean-Jacques Régis de Cambrcérès ever held the position, the role was later re-established under a different title during the reign of Louis Napoleon III. The successor role, Minister of Finance was a merger between the former Ministers of Finance and the Archchancellor's duties.

Appointment[]

Only one person held the appointment of 'Archchancellor of the Empire':[1][3]

Name Other Titles/Positions Portrait Term begin Term end Coat of Arms Grand Arms Coat of Arms Description
Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès
  • Duke of Parma (1808–1814)
  • Minister of Justice (20 March – 22 June 1815)
Jean-Jacques-Regis de Cambaceres (par Henri-Frederic Schopin) 1st: 18 May 1804

2nd: 20 March 1815

1st: 14 April 1814

2nd: 22 June 1815

Armoiries Cambacérès Blason de la famille de Cambacérès Or, a dextrochère of carnation, adorned Gules, turned up Ermine, holding the tables of the law Sable, the whole accompanied by three lozenges Sable; , a chief Azure sown with bees Or, which is that of the Princes Grand Dignitaries.

Footnotes[]

References[]

  • Nicole Gotterri (1990) (in fr). Grands Dignitaires, Ministres et Grands Officiers du Premier Empire: Autographes et Notices Biographiques. Nouvelles éditions latines. ISBN 978-2723304115. OCLC 23901364.