How did King Leopold II die? The death of the Belgian King Leopold II, a figure known for his controversial rule over the Congo Free State, has been a subject of intrigue and speculation for over a century. Born on April 9, 1835, and reigning as King of the Belgians from 1865 until his death in 1909, Leopold II’s legacy is marked by both his imperial ambitions and the devastating impact of his rule on the African continent.
The circumstances surrounding his death are as mysterious as his life was tumultuous. King Leopold II died on December 17, 1909, at the age of 74, in his private residence, the Château de Laeken, in Brussels. His death certificate listed the cause as a cerebral hemorrhage, a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including hypertension and stroke. However, there have been various theories and rumors about the true cause of his death, some of which suggest that he may have been poisoned.
One of the most popular theories is that Leopold II was poisoned by his doctor, Dr. Auguste Tétreau. This theory is based on the fact that Dr. Tétreau was the only person present with the King at the time of his death, and that he had been in poor health himself, suffering from a liver condition. Some historians believe that Dr. Tétreau may have been motivated to kill the King to avoid being held responsible for his own health issues.
Another theory suggests that Leopold II was poisoned by his own son, Prince Baudouin, who was rumored to have been in a power struggle with his father. This theory is based on the fact that Prince Baudouin was the heir apparent and may have had reason to want to remove his father from the throne.
Despite these theories, there is no concrete evidence to support either claim. The mystery surrounding King Leopold II’s death remains unsolved, and his legacy continues to be a topic of debate among historians and scholars. His reign over the Congo Free State, characterized by brutal exploitation and human rights abuses, has left a lasting scar on the continent, and his death, while mysterious, does little to mitigate the impact of his rule.
