French royalty refers to the monarchy that ruled France from the medieval period until the late 18th century. The most notable royal family was the Capetians, who began their reign in 987 AD. French kings, such as Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, centralized power and expanded the kingdom's influence in Europe. The monarchy faced significant challenges, including financial crises and social unrest, leading to the French Revolution in 1789. This revolution ultimately resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, marking a significant shift in French history and governance.