What role did the marquis de Lafayette play in bringing Louis-Philippe to the throne?

During the July Revolution of 1830, the Marquis de Lafayette played a decisive role in securing the throne for Louis-Philippe.

As the insurrection against King Charles X unfolded, two factions emerged: republicans, who looked to Lafayette as their symbolic leader, and constitutional monarchists, who supported the duc d’Orléans (Louis-Philippe). Although Lafayette was offered the opportunity to lead a military coup and establish a republic, he declined, believing a constitutional monarchy was a safer alternative to the potential risks of radical rule.123

The critical moment occurred on July 31, when Louis-Philippe arrived at the Hôtel de Ville to confront the republican faction. Lafayette’s public endorsement proved essential; he appeared on the balcony with the duke, wrapped in a tricolour flag, and embraced him before the crowd. This symbolic gesture effectively won over the opposition and paved the way for the parliament to declare the throne vacant and proclaim Louis-Philippe the "citizen king" of France.123