Philippe Boiry, French journalist (b. 1927)

Philippe Paul Alexandre Henri Boiry, born on February 19, 1927, and passing away on January 5, 2014, was a figure of intriguing dual roles: a dedicated journalist by profession and, more notably, a pretender to the symbolic throne of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia. His claim to this unique, unrecognized monarchy spanned over six decades, from October 26, 1952, until the day of his demise on January 5, 2014, marking him as the longest-serving claimant in the kingdom's history.

A Journalist's Perspective on a Royal Claim

Before assuming his role as a royal claimant, Philippe Boiry established himself as a journalist. While specific details of his early journalistic career are less widely publicized compared to his royal aspirations, it is understood that he engaged in the media landscape, bringing a background in communication and public affairs to his later endeavors. This experience likely informed his approach to maintaining the visibility and legacy of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia, a pursuit that relied heavily on international communication and the historical narrative.

The Enigmatic Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia

To understand Philippe Boiry’s unique position, one must delve into the origins of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia. This entity was founded in 1860 by a French adventurer and lawyer, Orelie-Antoine de Tounens, who, after traveling to South America, became sympathetic to the cause of the Mapuche people. The Mapuche, an indigenous group inhabiting parts of what are now Chile and Argentina, were fiercely resisting the encroaching territorial claims and military campaigns of both nations. Orelie-Antoine proclaimed himself King Orelie-Antoine I, aiming to establish a constitutional monarchy that would protect the Mapuche territories and their sovereignty. The proclaimed territory roughly corresponded to the regions of Araucanía (in present-day Chile) and Patagonia (shared between Chile and Argentina). Despite Orelie-Antoine's efforts and the initial support from some Mapuche leaders, the kingdom was never recognized by any sovereign state or international body. Both Chile and Argentina swiftly moved to assert their authority, leading to Orelie-Antoine's arrest and eventual deportation.

Philippe Boiry: The Fourth Pretender

Following Orelie-Antoine I's death in 1878, a line of succession was maintained by his designated heirs in France, who continued to uphold the symbolic claim to the throne. Philippe Boiry became the fourth in this lineage, known as Prince Philippe I. His ascension on October 26, 1952, came after the death of his predecessor, Antoine III (Antoine-Orélie de Tounens, nephew of the founder). Boiry dedicated his tenure to preserving the historical memory of the kingdom and, significantly, to advocating for the rights and culture of the Mapuche people. Although the "monarchy" possessed no actual territory, political power, or international recognition, Boiry maintained a "Royal House" in France, engaging in cultural initiatives, charitable activities, and humanitarian work aimed at supporting the indigenous communities whose land had once been claimed by the kingdom. He actively worked to raise awareness about the Mapuche's struggles and their rich heritage, essentially transforming the symbolic throne into a platform for advocacy.

Legacy and Succession

Philippe Boiry's long and steadfast commitment to the legacy of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia ended with his death on January 5, 2014. His passing marked the end of an era for the unrecognized monarchy, as he had been its most prominent and longest-serving claimant in recent history. The succession passed to Frédéric Luz, who continues the symbolic representation and advocacy efforts under the title of Prince Frédéric I. Boiry's life remains a compelling example of how a historical claim, even without tangible power, can be maintained and leveraged for cultural preservation and humanitarian causes over generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia and its Pretenders

What was the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia?

The Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia was a short-lived, self-proclaimed constitutional monarchy founded in 1860 by a French lawyer, Orelie-Antoine de Tounens, in the Araucanía region of Chile and parts of Patagonia in Argentina. Its primary aim was to establish an independent state to protect the indigenous Mapuche people from Chilean and Argentine expansion.

Was the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia a recognized state?

No, the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia was never recognized as a sovereign state by any national government or international body. Its founder, Orelie-Antoine, was quickly arrested and deported by Chilean authorities, and the territory was subsequently fully integrated into Chile and Argentina.

What does "pretender to the throne" mean in this context?

In this context, a "pretender to the throne" refers to an individual, like Philippe Boiry, who claims a right to a throne or a dissolved monarchy, even though they do not possess actual power or territory and their claim is not recognized by existing states. For the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia, the pretenders have largely focused on preserving historical memory, advocating for Mapuche rights, and maintaining cultural continuity rather than pursuing literal territorial claims.