Meanwhile, on Sicily, Maria Carolina was waiting to get back to Naples. She had made it clear that she considered Sicily nothing more than a temporary refuge until Naples could be regained. But she also knew that her only allies, the English, were no longer interested in recovering Naples, and were focused now on how to keep the French out of Sicily.  

On the French side, Murat had made plans to invade Sicily, but Napoleon was only lukewarm to the idea, fearing the loss the French navy would suffer if they confronted the English. 

The British ambassador to Palermo, William Bentinck suggested that the Queen, Maria Carolina, be removed, and the Sicilian government administered by Sicilians.  

The new ruler then would be the King’s son, Francis. He recalled some exiled barons and set about drafting the new constitution. He also needed to abolish the feudalism that had so long held Sicily back. 

In 1812, the new constitution had been drafted. The fifteen articles granted Sicily autonomy. Executive and legislative powers were rigidly separated, and feudal practices abolished. Many of the barons who voted for the thing were appalled to find their former powers and privileges gone forever. Even the people seemed unable to take in exactly what it meant for them. 

In 1813, Maria Carolina made one last attempt to save the monarchy as she saw it. She urged her husband, Frederick, to annul the constitution and take up the reins of government. He reluctantly did so, to the delight of his subjects. But Sicily was declining into chaos once again. So 8000 British troops entered the city to restore order. The barons were furious at the King’s turn of attitude, and made it clear they would revolt unless the Queen left Sicily and the King upheld the new constitution. 

Having dealt with the political situation, Bentinck left the island, but was obliged to return soon enough, where he found near total chaos. The full text of the constitution had not yet been published, and there were violent arguments about what it actually said. Bentinck realized he had no choice but to assume dictatorial powers to restore order. 

Back in Naples, Murat had to relinquish claims to Sicily after Napoleon had suffered defeat at Liepzig in 1813. He was eventually forced to flee and arriving in Corsica, was captured and executed.