Fleury, abroad, seeks peace, averse as he…

Fleury, abroad, seeks peace, averse as he is to wars, basing his policy on an English alliance and the reconciliation with Spain.

Queen Marie, at the end of her third pregnancy, in September 1729 finally gives birth to a male child, Louis, dauphin de France, who immediately becomes heir to the throne.

The birth of a long awaited heir, which ensures the survival of the dynasty for the first time since 1712, is welcomed with tremendous joy and celebrations in all spheres of French society, and indeed in most European courts.

The royal couple is at the time very united and in love with each other, and the young king is extremely popular.

The birth of a male heir also dispels the risks of a succession crisis and the likely war with Spain that would have resulted.