I think the potential for a compromise is there by having Charles Antoine (Carlos Antonio) sent to Paris from 1761 as the accepted heir. He’d be thirteen in 1761, and 26 or so when Louis died. That way he’d be an accepted fixture in France but still be the legitimist heir (mostly). Still, I accept that Louis Philippe would likely be the next king, but I really think the carousel has much more dramatic potential.
I also have a sneaking suspicion that Charles would be better for France in the long run.
I started thinking about this question in the context of the American Revolution, so I’d like to throw that question out. Again limiting the butterflies…How would the French deal with the American Revolution after Saratoga with either Charles X (the adult *Charles III) or Louis Phillippe I (Louis XVI?) on the throne?
I know that OTL, Charles III saw the revolution as a threat to his own empire but eventually joined in as co-belligerent against the English. Which way do you think he’d go as King of France?
Do we know anything about what Louis Philippe thought about the whole thing?
Again, thanks in advance for your thoughts,