The Hugues Capet Prize jury met in a symbolic place in Paris, the Chancellery of Orléans, to designate the first winner of this new version of the prestigious literary award. The prize is now worn by Prince Charles-Philippe d’Orléans and his wife. This year’s winner is Laurent Avesou for his book dedicated to the Duke of Sully.
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The jury for the new version of the Hugues Capet prize met at the Chancellery of Orléans
The long existence of Maximilien de Béthune, better known by his title of Duke of Sully, holds no secrets for Laurent Allez, specialist in the history and myth of Sully. The rigor with which he paints the portrait of this Protestant soldier, comrade-in-arms of King Henry IV, convinced the jury of the Hugues Capet prize, which met this Thursday, January 9, 2025 in Paris. This literary prize aims to pay tribute to writers who transmit history in an exceptional way and to become a valuable platform to celebrate and preserve the richness of French historical heritage.
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The Hugues Capet Prize was created in 1994 by the Countess of Paris and Jacques-Henri Auclair. For around twenty years, this prize was awarded to authors of quality works, dedicated to the lives of the kings and queens of the Capetian dynasty. Thirty years after its creation, the prize was relaunched by Prince Charles-Philippe of Orléans, and his wife, Princess Naomi, who are its president. Attached to the history of France and the history of his ancestors, Prince Charles-Philippe, Duke of Anjou, felt his “duty to restore this historical consciousness of our country”by relaunching the price.
The jury, made up of specialists, authors and distinguished and recognized personalities in the field of literature and history, met at the Chancellery of Orléans, in the heart of the National Archives. The decorations of the former private mansion of Philippe d’Orléans, regent of the kingdom of France during the years of Louis XV’s minority, were reassembled identically in 2021 at the Hôtel de Rohan (which houses the National Archives) , after the demolition of the Orléans Chancellery in 1923.
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Laurent Avesou distinguished for his book on Sully
The Hugues Capet Prize recognizes literary works that shed light on the past while nourishing reflection on the present. This prize aims to “contribute to strengthening the bond between generations and stimulating a dialogue around national history”explain the organizers. It is in this spirit that the jury met in this symbolic place to choose the name of the winner.
After a long deliberation session “imbued with passionate debates and in-depth analyses”Laurent Avesou caught the attention of the jury with his book “ Sully, Builder of modern France », published by Tallandier. The author wins the prize of 20,000 euros promised to the winner. “This book is a masterful work that combines historical depth, analytical finesse and reading pleasure”explains the jury.
The jury was composed of Prince Charles-Philippe d’Orléans, Jacques-Henri Auclair, founder of the Hugues Capet prize, Stéphane Bern, writer and columnist specializing in history, Franck Ferrand, writer and columnist specializing in history, Virginie Girod, historian and columnist specializing in history, Jean-Christian Petitfils, writer, historian and political scientist, Ève de Castro, writer, Jean Sévillia, writer and journalist, and Diana Widmaier Picasso, art historian and writer.
Laurent Avesou, doctor of history, speaker, teacher, is a specialist in modern history and the great figures who shaped France. Passionate about the study of enlightened governance and political strategies, he devotes his research to the great servants of the State and the builders of institutions. The jury explains that “Laurent Avesou embodies a generation of historians keen to bring the lessons of the past to life in contemporary debates. His victory at the Hugues Capet Prize underlines the importance of his work in better understanding the roots of the modern State and the Capetian heritage. »
Laurent Avesou’s book, both accessible and rigorous, sheds light on the work of Sully, a character who “symbolizes the capacity of a nation to reinvent itself after crises, based on solid values and an ambitious collective project”underlines the prize jury. “Sully based his political action on stability, prosperity and national reconciliation, principles which resonate powerfully in the face of the challenges and divisions of contemporary France. » In these complicated times, the reconstruction of France desired by Sally, “reminds us that a prosperous future relies on bold and structuring choices. Its famous motto, “Ploughing and grazing are the two breasts of France”, could today be revisited to promote modern, sustainable and inclusive policies, essential to national unity and prosperity. »
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
