Napoleon's Siblings:

Throughout his life, Napoleon Bonaparte acted as the protector of his large brood of siblings -- 4 brothers and three sisters. With the death of his father in 1785, Napoleon as the oldest son became the head of the family, and he acted in that capacity with dedication. Once he had achieved power in France, he appointed his 4 brothers to key positions, making them kings, dukes, and counts; his 3 sisters, he married to kings, dukes and counts.

Although historians sometimes give favorable marks to Lucian Bonaparte for intelligence and administrative ability, the rest of the family were rather mediocre. Placed in high positions, they were more of a hinderance than a help to Napoleon. Here are the rather unedifying portraits of Napoleon's extended family.

Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte (1768-1844) King of Naples and then King of Spain	Lucian Napoleon Bonaparte (1775-1840) Prince of Canino