House of Orléans facts for kids
The House of Orléans was an important French noble and royal family. It started with Louis XIV of France and his only brother, Philippe, Duke of Orléans.
Their main traditional home was the Palais Royal in Paris. The family became very powerful when Louis Philippe I was king. He ruled France as the King of the French. He was very good at arranging marriages for his children into other royal families across Europe.
The current head of the family is Prince Henri of Orléans. He is known as the Count of Paris. He also claims to be the King of the French. However, he is usually called His Royal Highness The Count of Paris or sometimes the Duke of France. These titles are not officially recognized because France is no longer a monarchy. Prince Henri has been a claimant to the throne since 1999. He was married to Duchess Marie Thérèse of Württemberg. Her father also once claimed the throne of Württemberg.
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What is the House of Orléans?
The House of Orléans is a branch of the famous House of Bourbon. This means they are part of a very old and important royal family in France. They are named after the city of Orléans. Being a "House" means they are a family line that has held power and titles for many generations.
How the Orléans Family Began
The family started with Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. He was the younger brother of the famous King Louis XIV of France. Philippe was given the title "Duke of Orléans." This made him and his descendants a special part of the French nobility.
Their Main Home: The Palais Royal
The Palais Royal in Paris was the main home for the Dukes of Orléans. It was a grand palace where they lived and held important events. This palace showed their wealth and power in France.
Important Members of the Orléans Family
Over the centuries, many members of the House of Orléans played big roles in French history. They were often close to the main royal family.
Louis Philippe I: King of the French
One of the most important members was Louis Philippe I. He became king of France in 1830. He was not called "King of France" but "King of the French." This title showed that he ruled for the people, not just over the land. During his time, the Orléans family became very influential. He made sure his children married into other royal families across Europe. This helped to strengthen France's connections with other countries.
The Current Head: Prince Henri of Orléans
Today, the head of the family is Prince Henri of Orléans. He holds the title of Count of Paris. Even though France is a republic, he is seen by some as the rightful heir to the French throne. He is called His Royal Highness The Count of Paris. He has been a claimant to the throne since 1999.
Images for kids
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Louis-Philippe Albert d'Orléans, Comte de Paris
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Jean of Orléans, current head of the house, with his wife and heir apparent, Prince Gaston.
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A painting from around 1670 showing the family of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. It includes: Henrietta Maria of France, Queen of England; Philippe de France, who started the House of Orléans; his first wife Henrietta Anne Stuart; their first daughter Marie Louise of Orléans (who became Queen of Spain); Anne of Austria; the Orléans daughters of Gaston de France; Louis XIV; the Dauphin with his mother Maria Theresa of Spain and her third daughter Marie-Thérèse de France, called Madame Royale and her second son Philippe-Charles, Duke of Anjou. The first daughter of Gaston is on the far right: Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans. The picture frame with the two children shows the other 2 daughters of Louis and Maria Theresa who died young.
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Louise Marie Adélaïde de Bourbon who brought much wealth to the family.
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Louis XIV and his younger brother Le Petit Monsieur.
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Philippe II d'Orléans with his young protégé, Louis XV.
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Parterres du Midi at Versailles.
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Palais Royal, Paris (1679).
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Château de Bagnolet, Paris.
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Château du Raincy.
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Château de Sainte-Assise.
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Château de Saint-Leu.
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Château de Neuilly.
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Château de La Ferté-Vidame.
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Château d'Amboise.
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Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault.
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Château de Dreux.
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See also
In Spanish: Casa de Orleans para niños
