Why was Richelieu exiled after the palace revolution of 1617?
Richelieuâs exile in 1617 was a direct consequence of a palace revolution that overthrew the regency of Marie de MĂ©dicis.12
During this period, the French government was dominated by the queen motherâs favorites, including Concino Concini, who had appointed Richelieu as a secretary of state in 1616. By 1617, however, Louis XIII sought to assert his own authority and end the influence of his motherâs circle. On April 24, 1617, the kingâs favorite, Charles dâAlbert de Luynes, orchestrated a plot that resulted in the assassination of Concini.134
Following the collapse of the regency, Richelieuâas a prominent member of the queen motherâs administrationâwas removed from office. He was initially banished to Luçon and subsequently exiled to the papal city of Avignon in 1618.12