I also read that there is a translation issue with the word cake. It was originally reported as saying “brioche,” not cake. Brioche is a type of bread, not a cake like we think of. It is still indicative of a lack of awareness, since the line was uttered in response to poor people not being able to afford bread and she suggested brioche instead, as if there is much difference.
The fundamental issue is the line was only ever originally attributed to ‘a great princess’ and Antoinette was nine when it was first written by Rousseau. It didn’t become commonly attributed to her until well after her death.
I also read that there is a translation issue with the word cake. It was originally reported as saying “brioche,” not cake. Brioche is a type of bread, not a cake like we think of. It is still indicative of a lack of awareness, since the line was uttered in response to poor people not being able to afford bread and she suggested brioche instead, as if there is much difference.
The fundamental issue is the line was only ever originally attributed to ‘a great princess’ and Antoinette was nine when it was first written by Rousseau. It didn’t become commonly attributed to her until well after her death.