Prince François, Count of Clermont facts for kids

Styles of Prince François
Reference style	His Royal Highness
Spoken style	Your Royal Highness

Prince François of Orléans, also known as the Count of Clermont, was born on February 7, 1961. He was the oldest son of Prince Henri, Count of Paris, who was a leader of the Orleanist royal family of France. His mother was Duchess Marie Therese of Württemberg.

Sadly, Prince François and his younger sister, Princess Blanche, were born with developmental disabilities. This happened because their mother had an infection called toxoplasmosis during her pregnancies. Toxoplasmosis is a common infection caused by a parasite, and it can sometimes affect unborn babies.

Early Life and Family

François Henri Louis Marie was his full name. His godparents were his paternal grandfather, Henri, Count of Paris, and his maternal grandmother, Duchess Rosa of Württemberg.

When François was a baby, his family realized he had a disability. They lived in a region called Haute-Savoie in France. His father was often away for military duties or business.

As François grew up, his parents separated when he was 13. During the week, François stayed at a special facility in Beaumont-sur-Oise. Later, in the 1980s, he moved to a L'Arche community. These communities are places where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together.

On weekends, François would return to his mother and siblings at their family home in Dreux. He also spent time with his paternal grandmother at the Chateau d'Eu. She helped him learn to walk when he was about four or five years old.

Royal Family and Succession

The Orléans family is a branch of the former royal family of France. They believe they are the rightful heirs to the French throne. In this family, the oldest son is usually expected to be the next leader, or "pretender" to the throne. This person is sometimes called the "Dauphin."

In 1981, François's grandfather, the Count of Paris, made a decision about who would follow him. Because of François's disability, his grandfather announced that François's younger brother, Prince Jean, would be the next in line.

However, the grandfather later changed his mind. He said that François was still the first in line because he was the oldest son. When François's father became the Count of Paris in 1999, he also agreed that François was the next heir. He set up a special group called a "regency council." This council would make decisions for François if he ever became the leader of the family.

In 2016, Prince Jean said that the idea of a regency council was not valid. He became François's legal guardian and promised to continue caring for him. Jean also asked that François be left in peace and not used in family arguments.

Later Life and Passing

Prince François passed away on December 30, 2017. His brother, Prince Jean, shared the sad news, explaining that François had suffered a fall the day before.

On January 6, 2018, a funeral service was held for Prince François at the Chapelle royale de Dreux. His parents, brothers, sisters, and other family members attended. Members of other royal families were also there to pay their respects. After the service, François was buried at the chapel.

After François's passing, his father recognized Prince Jean as the "Dauphin," meaning the next in line to lead the family. Father and son shared a public embrace at the burial.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms of France and Navarre, often associated with French royalty.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco de Orleans para niños