Louis d'Orléans, Prince of Condé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louis d'Orléans |
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| Prince of Condé | |||||
Louis d'Orléans, Prince of Condé around 1861
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| Born | 15 November 1845 Saint-Cloud, France |
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| Died | 24 May 1866 (aged 20) Sydney, Australia |
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| Burial | Chapelle royale de Dreux | ||||
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| House | Orléans | ||||
| Father | Henri d'Orleans, Duke of Aumale | ||||
| Mother | Princess Maria Carolina Augusta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
| Signature |  |
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Louis Philippe Marie Léopold d'Orléans (born 15 November 1845 – died 24 May 1866) was a member of the House of Orléans, a royal family in France. He held the special title of Prince of Condé. He was also the very first person from a royal family to visit the continent of Australia. Sadly, he passed away there in 1866.
Contents
The Life of Prince Louis
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Early Life and Exile
Louis d'Orléans was born on 15 November 1845 in Saint-Cloud, France. He was the oldest son of Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale and Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. He was given the title of Prince of Condé. This was a very old and important title. People sometimes called him "le petit Condé" (the little Condé). This was a nod to a famous historical figure known as "le Grand Condé."
When the French Revolution of 1848 happened, Louis and his family had to leave France. They went to live in England. This is called being in "exile." Later, Louis went to school at the Royal High School, Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland.
An Adventure to Australia
When Louis d'Orléans was 20 years old, his father planned a big trip for him. It was an 18-month world tour! His father hoped that traveling to warmer places outside Europe would help Louis's health.
On 4 February 1866, Louis started his journey. He left Southampton, England, on a ship called the Mongolia. His doctor, Paul Gingeot, and his cousin, Prince Ferdinand, Duke of Alençon, traveled with him. Their plan was to visit many countries. These included Egypt, Ceylon, Australia, New Zealand, Java, China, Japan, and India. Louis was especially excited to see Australia. He found its unique nature very interesting.
The Suez Canal was not finished yet in 1866. So, Louis traveled by train across Egypt. He then took another ship to join the Bengal. His cousin, Ferdinand, left the group in Egypt. Louis and Dr. Gingeot continued their journey. After a short stop in Ceylon, they boarded another ship, the Bombay.
On 8 April, the Bombay reached King George Sound in Western Australia. Louis went ashore at Albany. He met important people there, like the Chief Magistrate of Albany.
On 13 April, the Bombay arrived in Melbourne. Louis wanted to get to Sydney quickly. So, he decided to visit Melbourne on his way back. The ship continued its journey along the coast.
Finally, on 16 April 1866, the Bombay docked at Port Jackson in Sydney. Louis was very impressed by Sydney. He thought it was as grand as old cities around the world.
Even though important people offered him better places to stay, Louis chose Petty's Hotel. It was near St. Philip's. For the next five weeks, Louis's health got much better. He went to many social events. He visited the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum. He also saw the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Hospital. He met local leaders like the Chancellor of the University and the Director of the Botanic Gardens. He also took trips to places like Parramatta and Windsor.
Sad News and Passing
On 12 May 1866, Louis received very sad news. His grandmother, Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily, had passed away. This news upset him greatly. He also caught a cold during a trip to Manly. These things made his health get worse. Dr. Gingeot told him to rest, but Louis did not listen.
After a brief improvement, his health quickly got worse again. Dr. Gingeot called for another doctor to help. On the evening of 24 May, Louis d'Orléans died in Sydney. His doctor, his valet, and a priest were with him. The priest gave him the last rites. When Louis died, the title of Prince of Condé ended forever.
Many important people visited Petty's Hotel in the days after his death. They came to pay their respects. These included the Governor of New South Wales, the Chief Justice, and the Premier. The French consul, however, came as a private person. This was because the French government did not recognize the House of Orléans as the rightful royal family.
The funeral was held on 29 May 1866. A long procession followed his coffin from the hotel to Saint Mary's Cathedral. Important figures, including the Governor, helped carry the coffin. Many businesses in Sydney closed during the funeral. Consulates lowered their flags to half-mast.
Two thousand people attended the special church service, called a requiem mass. After the service, Louis's coffin was taken to a ship called the Sea Star. This ship was waiting at Circular Quay. On 2 June 1866, the Sea Star sailed for London with Louis's remains. Dr. Gingeot and Louis's other companions were also on board. The ship arrived in London on 11 September 1866.
Years later, in 1871, Louis's family returned to France. In 1885, his heart was placed in a special urn. This urn is in the chapel of Château de Chantilly. His body is buried in the Chapelle Royale Saint-Louis in Dreux, France.
Prince Louis's Legacy
Louis d'Orléans is mainly remembered for his trip to Australia. He was the first person from a royal family to visit the Australian continent. The first visit by a member of the British royal family happened later, in 1867. That was Prince Alfred, who stayed in Australia for five months.
Images for kids
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Louis d'Orléans, Prince of Condé around 1861
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Signature of Prince Louis of Orléans, Prince of Condé
