Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand - Death

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand died on 17 May 1838. Based on who you ask, you will get very different opinions! For some he was a great diplomat, for others, he was one of the greatest flip-flopper in the history of French politics.

A former bishop - not by religious conviction - turned diplomat, he lived and survived through all successive regimes from Monarchy to the French Revolution to Napoleon and back to Monarchy...

While Napoleon valued his diplomatic skills, he was aware he could not fully trust Talleyrand. When asked why he used his services, Napoleon replied "I would rather have him near me than out of my sight...".