Following his father's decision to become Emperor of Central Africa, Jean-Bédel Bokassa Jr. was named, at the age of 4, heir apparent with the title of crown prince (prince héritier de Centrafrique). He was chosen despite having several older brothers and half-brothers. Bokassa I's eldest son by another wife, Georges, was a cabinet minister but Bokassa considered him weak.[1]
Jean-Bédel Bokassa Jr. was included in his father's lavish coronation of 4 December 1977.[2]