House of Bourbon Facts for Kids

The coat of arms of the French Bourbons. It shows the lily flower linked with the name. It was also used by the King of Spain and other ruling Bourbons.

The House of Bourbon is a very important royal family in Europe. Kings from this family ruled France for many years. They were in charge from 1589 to 1792 and again from 1815 to 1848. This family is a younger part of the Capetian dynasty, which is another old French royal family.

Members of the House of Bourbon also ruled other places in the past. These included Naples, Sicily, and Parma. Today, King Felipe VI of Spain and Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg are both part of the House of Bourbon.

Who are the Bourbons?
Where did the Bourbons rule?
Important Bourbon Family Members
- Louis XIV of France
- King Felipe VI of Spain
Images for kids
See also

Who are the Bourbons?

The Bourbon family started in the Middle Ages. They are a branch of the Capetian dynasty. This means they are related to the first kings of France. Their name comes from the castle of Bourbon-l'Archambault in central France.

The first Bourbon king of France was Henry IV of France. He became king in 1589. His rule ended a long period of religious wars in France.

Where did the Bourbons rule?

The House of Bourbon became very powerful. They ruled many different kingdoms and duchies. These were often led by different family members.

Bourbons in France

The Bourbons ruled France for over 200 years. Famous kings like Louis XIV were Bourbons. Louis XIV was known as the "Sun King." He built the amazing Palace of Versailles. The French Revolution in 1789 changed everything. The monarchy was ended in 1792. The Bourbons returned to power briefly after 1815.

Bourbons in Spain

A grandson of Louis XIV became King of Spain. This started the Spanish branch of the Bourbons. They have ruled Spain for most of the time since the early 1700s. Today, King Felipe VI is the current Bourbon monarch of Spain.

Other Bourbon Rulers

Other branches of the Bourbon family ruled different areas.

The Bourbons of Parma ruled the Duchy of Parma in Italy.
The Bourbons of the Two Sicilies ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This kingdom was in southern Italy.

Important Bourbon Family Members

Many important people came from the House of Bourbon. They shaped the history of Europe.

Louis XIV of France

Louis XIV (seated) with his son, grandson, and great-grandson. Busts of earlier Bourbon kings are in the background.

Louis XIV of France was one of the most famous Bourbon kings. He ruled France for 72 years. This is one of the longest reigns in European history. He made France a very strong country. He also built the grand Palace of Versailles.

King Felipe VI of Spain

Felipe VI is the current King of Spain. He became king in 2014. He represents the modern face of the Bourbon family. He works to unite the people of Spain.