Investigative journalist who uncovered major corruption scandals in France, including the Elf Aquitaine oil company scandal. 18
Philippe Boiry, a French journalist and pretender to the throne of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, made headlines for his bold claim to royalty from 1952 until his death in 2014. For over six decades, Boiry insisted he was the rightful ruler of the fictional kingdom, a title that sparked both fascination and ridicule.
Boiry was born on February 19, 1927, to Ferdinand Boiry and Jeanne Reynaud. Before embarking on his royal ambitions, Boiry worked as a journalist, a career that likely influenced his later writings on his royal claims.
In 1952, Boiry declared himself the prince of Araucania and Patagonia, citing the abdication of Jacques Antoine Bernard, a previous pretender to the throne. This move marked the beginning of Boiry's long-standing claim to royalty, which he maintained until his death.
The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia is a fascinating, if not entirely legitimate, chapter in history. Founded in 1873 by Antoine de Tounens, a French adventurer, the kingdom was never recognized by any sovereign state. Since de Tounens' death, several individuals have claimed the throne, including Boiry.
Boiry's "reign" was not without controversy. In 1989, he visited Mapuche and Tehuelche lands, only to be met with hostility from local media and indifference from Mapuche organizations. In 1996, an Argentine journalist accused Boiry of being an impostor, prompting Boiry to sue him. However, the court of Paris dismissed the case, citing Boiry's inability to justify his royal titles.
Boiry married twice, first to Jacqueline Marquain (1927-1978) and then to Élisabeth Jeanne de Chavigny (1939-2006). He had no children from either marriage. In 1980, Boiry founded a school of communication in Levallois-Perret, France.
Today, Boiry's legacy is a subject of debate. While some view him as a charming eccentric, others see him as a charlatan or a fantasist. Regardless, his story serves as a testament to human imagination and the power of self-proclaimed titles.
"I am the prince of Araucania and Patagonia, and I will not be swayed by the opinions of others."
— Philippe Boiry
Boiry's claim to royalty, though unrecognizable by any sovereign state, highlights the human desire for power, prestige, and self-importance. His story serves as a reminder that, even in modern times, the allure of royalty can be a potent force, driving individuals to extraordinary lengths.
In the end, Philippe Boiry's legacy is a complex tapestry of fact and fiction, imagination and reality. While his claims to royalty may be viewed as outlandish, they also speak to the enduring human fascination with power, authority, and the thrill of the unknown.
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