France still split over Napoleon as it marks bicentenary of death
by Kim Willsher in Paris from on (#5HEQD)
President to tread fine line as he lays a wreath to commemorate rather than celebrate' anniversary
On 5 May 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte died in a surprisingly small bed surrounded by his French coterie in exile in a damp and reportedly rat-infested house on the British island of Saint Helena.
His last words, uttered shortly before he expired around 5.59pm local time were relayed back: La France, l'armee, tete d'armee, Josephine ..." (France, the army, head of the army, Josephine). He was 51.
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