Last Empress of Vietnam: Remembering Tay Phuong's Legacy

The passing of Tay Phuong, the last empress of Vietnam, marks a significant milestone in the country's tumultuous history. Her life, marked by both grandeur and hardship, serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's struggles under foreign occupation and the resilience of its people. Born into a family of noble lineage, Tay Phuong was destined for greatness, yet her journey was not without its challenges. As the last empress of Vietnam, she bore witness to the country's transformation from a powerful empire to a French colony, and her story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. Tay Phuong's life was a complex tapestry of royal intrigue, war, and personal sacrifice. Her marriage to Emperor Bao Dai, the last ruler of Vietnam, was marked by both love and politics, as she navigated the treacherous waters of court politics and the looming threat of foreign invasion. Through her experiences, Tay Phuong's story offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Vietnam's royal family during a time of great upheaval, and her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's rich cultural heritage and its unwavering determination to preserve its independence.

Emperor Bao Dai and his wife Princess Vĩnh Thụy in 1992.

Photo (c) Raymond Reuter/Sygma/Corbis.

French journalist and royal researcher Frederic de Natal has reported the recent death of Empress Tây Phuong of Vietnam, the widow of Emperor Bаo Đai. The empress reportedly passed away on the night of 27/28 September at Paris. She was seventy-five years-old. 

Monique Baudot.

Monique Marie Eugénie Baudot was born on 30 April 1946 at Pont-а-Mousson, Lorraine, France. In 1969, she met the widowed Emperor Bаo Đai in the French capital. At the time, Monique Baudot worked in the press office of the Embassy of Zaire to France. The couple married in February 1972, with the bride taking the title Princess Vĩnh Thụy. Between 1972 and 1974, the emperor and princess lived in Hong Kong, before returning to Paris, which became their permanent home. In 1982, the couple visited Vietnamese communities in Los Angeles, California; Washington, DC; and Newark, New Jersey. The last residence of the imperial pair was a small apartment at 29 rue Fresnel in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.

The headstone of Emperor Bao Dai.

Monique in 2006 at the Passy Cemetery.

Read More : The Death of Tây Phuong, the "Last Empress of Vietnam"

Aged eighty-three, Emperor Bаo Đai died in Paris on 31 July 1997. The funeral of the emperor was attended by his five children from his first wife, Empress Nam Phương; however, his widow was not present. Bаo Đai was buried at the cimetière de Passy. After the death of the emperor, Princess Vĩnh Thụy assumed the title Empress Tây Phuong. In 2006, the empress presided over the placement of a new headstone on her late husband's final resting place. 

 Princess Vinh Thuy and Emperor Bao Dai in 1992.

Photo (c) Raymond Reuter/Sygma/Corbis

Frederic de Natal has written that the funeral for Empress Tây Phuong will be held on the morning of 14 October at the chapelle Sainte-Bernadette, 4 rue d'Auteuil, Paris.

May the Empress Rest in Peace.

Sources:

Décès de la dernière "impératrice" du Vietnam (Frédéric de Natal on 8 October 2021)

Savez-vous qu’une Mussipontaine est la dernière impératrice du Vietnam ? (L'Est Républicain of 21 January 2021) 

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Tay Phuong, the last empress of Vietnam, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a nation that has faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout its history. From the grandeur of the imperial court to the struggles of war and occupation, Tay Phuong's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Her unwavering commitment to her country and her people is an inspiration to us all, and her legacy continues to captivate and educate us about the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we are left with a profound appreciation for the complexities and nuances of her life. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always a way forward. The last empress of Vietnam left behind a lasting impact on the nation and its people, and her memory will continue to inspire future generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her life and to be reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. May her legacy continue to inspire and educate us, and may we always remember the last empress of Vietnam, Tay Phuong, as a symbol of strength, courage, and determination.