Prince Ferdinand Philippe of Orléans, Duke of Orléans  (Ferdinand Philippe Louis Charles Henri Joseph; 3 September 1810 – 13 July 1842) was the eldest son of Louis Philippe d'Orléans, Duke of Orléans and future King Louis Philippe I. Born in exile in his mother's native Sicily, he was their heir to the House of Orléans from birth. Following his father's succession as King of the French in 1830, he became the Prince Royal and subsequently Duke of Orléans (French: duc d'Orléans), the title by which he is best known. Dying in 1842, he never succeeded his father nor saw the collapse of the "July Monarchy" and subsequent exile of his family to England.

Infancy and background

He was named after his two grandfathers King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and Philippe Égalité. He was born in Palermo and given the title of Duke of Chartres. He was also a prince of the blood at the French royal court of Versailles. This gave him the style of Serene Highness. His father was banned from attending court at Versailles due to his liberal views. Prince did not attend either. He instead remained at his father's court at their Parisian residence the Palais Royal.

Heir to the throne

His father became King of the French in 1830. This made the prince the heir to the title of Duke of Orléans and heir to the throne. From that time the heir to the French throne was to be known as the Duke of Orléans. His father also declared his descendants through the male line were entitled to use the style of Royal Highness. They also used the title (a title in its own right) of Prince of Orléans. The prince became known as His Royal Highness, Prince Ferdinand Philippe of Orléans, Duke of Orléans. His sons were also entitled to the same style and title.

Marriage

There were plans for him to marry his cousin, Louise Marie Thérèse d'Artois. But the plans never materialised. There were also negotiations for the young prince to marry an Austrian Archduchess as well as a Russian grand duchess. But the plans again never materialised as the new monarchy in France was seen as fragile and not expected to survive. Instead the choice came in the form of Duchess Helene of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. She was a member of a minor ducal family native to Germany. The couple eventually married on 30 May 1837. This gave her the style of Royal Highness and made her one of the first princesses of Orléans by marriage. The couple eventually had two sons and had a very happy marriage.

Children

Prince Philippe of Orléans, Count of Paris (1838–1894). He married Princess Marie Isabelle of Orléans, Infanta of Spain (1848–1919). They had children. 
Prince Robert of Orléans, Duke of Chartres (1840–1910). He married Princess Françoise of Orléans (1844–1925) and had children.

Ancestry

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Titles and styles

3 September 1810 - 21 September 1824 His Serene Highness The Duke of Chartres.
21 September 1824 – 3 August 1830 His Royal Highness The Duke of Chartres.
3 August 1830 – 9 August 1830 His Royal Highness The Prince Royal, Prince of Orléans.
9 August 1830 – 13 July 1842 His Royal Highness The Duke of Orléans, Prince Royal, Prince of Orléans.

1810 births
1842 deaths
Heirs apparent who never acceded
Ferdinand-Philippe d'Orleans

Dukes and Duchesses of Chartres
Dukes and Duchesses of Orléans
People from Palermo