Never submitting to Napoleon, Melzi was demoted after the monarchy's proclamation in favour of more controllable men; however, Melzi's character ensured him Napoleon's deep private respect during all the years of the French empire.
Napoleonile mitte kunagi alla andes tagandati Melzi pärast monarhia väljakuulutamist palju kontrollitavama mehe vastu; aga Melzi iseloom tagas talle Napoleoni sügava isikliku austuse kogu Prantsuse keisririigi ajal.