House of Orléans
1715–1723, 1830–1848
The House of Orléans is a cadet branch of the House of Bourbon, founded in 1661 by Philippe of France, Louis XIV's younger brother, made Duke of Orléans. Without being sovereign itself at first, it wielded supreme power twice: through the regency of Philippe II of Orléans during Louis XV's minority (1715-1723), and later through the accession to the throne of Louis-Philippe I after the July Revolution of 1830. The latter reigned as "King of the French" under a constitutional monarchy breaking with the traditional dynastic legitimacy of the elder Bourbons. The July Monarchy collapsed during the February Revolution of 1848, forcing Louis-Philippe I into abdication and exile.
Key figures
Philippe of France1640–1701Founder of the house; brother of Louis XIV, made Duke of Orléans in 1661
Philippe II of Orléans1674–1723Regent of the kingdom during the minority of Louis XV (1715–1723)
Louis Philippe II (Philippe Égalité)1747–1793Revolutionary Duke of Orléans; voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793
Louis Philippe I1773–1850King of the French from 1830 to 1848, founder of the July Monarchy
Ferdinand Philippe of Orléans1810–1842Duke of Orléans, heir apparent during the reign of his father Louis-Philippe I
Key events
1661Philippe receives the Duchy of Orléans as an apanage upon the death of Gaston de France
1715Start of the regency of Philippe II of Orléans during the minority of Louis XV
1793Philippe Égalité votes for the execution of Louis XVI
1830Louis-Philippe becomes King of the French after the July Revolution
1848Abdication of Louis-Philippe I, end of the July Monarchy