View source for Bourbon, Adelberth De

(1840-1887). Bourbon established the first theosophical lodge in the Netherlands, the charter of which is dated June 27, 1881.  He had, perhaps, the most unusual background of any theosophist; a background akin to that of the controversial Anastasia, who claimed to be a survivor of the Romanof royal family.

During the French revolution the King and Queen of France were executed, but their second son, Charles Louis, was spared the guillotine and was said to have died in prison in 1795. However, there was a persistent rumor that he was taken to Germany and that it was a substitute that died. In 1810 a man called Naundorff claimed that he was the missing heir to the French throne. Naundorff died in Holland in August 10, 1845, and his headstone bears the inscription which in translation reads, “Here rests Louis XVII, Charles Louis, Duke of Normandie, King of France and of Navarre.” Oddly enough, his death certificate, prepared with the knowledge of the Dutch Government, also bears this name.

A son was born to this alleged Charles Louis at Camberwell, Surrey, England on April 26, 1840, named Adelberth.  This son was naturalized as a Dutch citizen under a special law agreed to in Parliament, 49 for and 3 against.  Nothing is known about his early life, but it appears that he became an officer of the Royal Guards in Holland and was a Mason.  Bourbon formed the first Theosophical Society lodge in Holland which was named “The Dutch Theosophical Society, ''Post Nubila Lux''.” The Latin tag translates as “After darkness, there comes light.” It appears that there was correspondence between Bourbon and Henry S. OLCOTT,  Helena P. BLAVATSKY,  and Dāmodar MAVALANKAR.  The letter from Blavatsky may be found in the book, ''H.P.B. Speaks'', Vol. II, pp. 1-9 (Adyar, TPH 1951).

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