Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (d. 1793)

Known to history as Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, and later famously by his revolutionary moniker Philippe Égalité, Louis Philippe Joseph was a prominent and profoundly complex French noble. Born on April 13, 1747, at the elegant Château de Saint-Cloud, his life, marked by immense privilege and ultimately by tragedy, became inextricably linked with the seismic shifts of the French Revolution. His unwavering, if ultimately self-destructive, support for the revolutionary cause makes him one of the era's most intriguing figures.

Early Life and Princely Ascent

From the moment of his birth, Louis Philippe Joseph was destined for a life within the highest echelons of French society. He was initially bestowed with the title of Duke of Montpensier. The aristocratic landscape of 18th-century France was one of intricate lineage and inherited prestige, and as fate would have it, titles often shifted through family lines. In 1752, upon the death of his grandfather, Louis d'Orléans, he ascended to the title of Duke of Chartres, marking a step closer to the head of the powerful Orléans branch of the royal family. A significant turning point arrived in 1785 with the passing of his father, Louis Philippe d'Orléans. It was then that he inherited the esteemed title of Duke of Orléans, becoming the head of the cadet branch of the House of Bourbon. This also conferred upon him the unique and highly significant status of Premier prince du sang, or "First Prince of the Blood." This title was attributed to the Prince of the Blood closest in lineage to the throne after the immediate Sons and Grandsons of France, placing him in a position of immense influence and potential succession. Reflecting his exalted rank, he was formally addressed as Son Altesse Sérénissime (S.A.S.), translating to "His Serene Highness." Beyond his titles, Louis Philippe was also a first cousin to King Louis XVI, and his family controlled a vast fortune, making him one of the wealthiest men in all of France.

A Noble Embraces Revolution

Despite his princely status and familial ties to the absolute monarchy, Louis Philippe d'Orléans actively embraced the burgeoning ideals of the French Revolution of 1789. He publicly expressed strong advocacy for the abolition of the existing absolute monarchy, envisioning instead a new political structure based on a constitutional monarchy, where the king's power would be limited by a constitution and a representative assembly. His commitment to the revolutionary cause was so profound and symbolic that in 1792, amidst the escalating fervor of the Revolution, he dramatically changed his name to Philippe Égalité, or "Philip Equality." This gesture was intended to signify his alignment with the revolutionary principles of equality and his rejection of his former aristocratic privileges, distinguishing himself from the royalist faction.

The Fateful Vote, The Terror, and The Guillotine

As the Revolution progressed into its more radical phases, Louis Philippe Égalité found himself in an increasingly perilous position. Despite his royal blood, his revolutionary fervor led him to participate directly in some of the Revolution's most defining and controversial moments. Famously, and to the shock of many across Europe, he voted for the death of his cousin, King Louis XVI, during the monarch's trial before the National Convention. This act solidified his image as a traitor in the eyes of royalists but cemented his revolutionary credentials for many others. However, the capricious nature of the Revolution proved unforgiving, even to its most ardent supporters. During the brutal period known as the Reign of Terror, a time of mass executions and political purges, Philippe Égalité himself became a victim. Accused of royalist sympathies, despite his revolutionary actions, he was condemned and guillotined on November 6, 1793, a stark and ironic end for a prince who had so vocally championed equality.

Enduring Legacy: The Orléanist Monarchy

Though Louis Philippe Égalité's life ended tragically, his legacy continued through his lineage and his political ideals. His son, also named Louis Philippe d'Orléans, eventually returned to France after years of exile and, following the July Revolution of 1830, became King of the French. This marked a significant shift from the previous Bourbon restoration, as Louis Philippe I ruled under a constitutional monarchy, a system his father had envisioned. This period, often referred to as the "July Monarchy," saw the term Orléanist come to be permanently attached to a distinct political movement in France. This movement, favoring a constitutional monarchy with a liberal interpretation of the charter, stood in contrast to the Legitimists who supported the senior Bourbon line and absolute monarchy, and later to the Bonapartists. Thus, Louis Philippe Égalité's controversial life contributed directly to shaping a significant strand of French political thought that echoed for decades after his death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Louis Philippe II's relationship to King Louis XVI?
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, was a first cousin of King Louis XVI, as both were members of the House of Bourbon.
Why did he change his name to Philippe Égalité?
He changed his name to Philippe Égalité ("Philip Equality") in 1792 as a symbolic gesture during the French Revolution. It was meant to demonstrate his alignment with revolutionary principles of equality and his rejection of aristocratic privilege and his royal lineage, distinguishing himself from the traditional monarchy.
Did Louis Philippe Égalité support the execution of Louis XVI?
Yes, controversially, he voted in favor of the execution of his cousin, King Louis XVI, during the King's trial before the National Convention in 1793.
Why was Louis Philippe Égalité himself guillotined?
Despite his revolutionary support and name change, he was guillotined in November 1793 during the Reign of Terror. He was accused of royalist sympathies, a common charge during the radical phase of the Revolution, which often targeted even those who had initially supported the revolutionary cause.
What is the significance of the term "Orléanist"?
The term "Orléanist" refers to a political movement in France that emerged after the July Revolution of 1830. It supported a constitutional monarchy, often represented by the descendants of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, particularly his son who became King Louis Philippe I. This contrasted with other monarchist factions like the Legitimists who favored a more absolute monarchy under the elder Bourbon line.