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Antoine OrleanskiyDuke de Montpensier.
Date of Birth: 31.07.1824
Country:  France |
Content:
- Antoine, Duke of Montpensier
- Marriage and Diplomatic Missions
- Exile and Return to Spain
- Political Involvements
- Later Years and Death
Antoine, Duke of Montpensier
Early Life and Military CareerAntoine d'Orléans was born the youngest son of King Louis-Philippe I of France and Maria Amalia of Naples. In 1830, upon his father's accession to the throne, Antoine received the title of "Royal Highness."
He embarked on a military career, rising through the ranks of the French army. In 1842, he became a lieutenant in the 3rd Artillery Regiment, later advancing to the rank of captain in the 7th Infantry Regiment. In 1844, he distinguished himself in combat during the Battle of Biskra in Algeria, earning the prestigious Legion of Honor.
Marriage and Diplomatic Missions
In 1845, Antoine embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, visiting Greece, Tunisia, and Egypt. During this time, France and Great Britain arranged a marriage alliance between the daughters of King Ferdinand VII of Spain. Antoine was betrothed to Infanta Luisa Fernanda, while her older sister, Queen Isabella II, was to marry her cousin Francisco de Asis.
On October 10, 1846, Antoine married Luisa Fernanda in Madrid. He was given the rank of colonel and appointed a brigadier general by his father.
Exile and Return to Spain
In 1848, the French Revolution forced the royal family to flee into exile. Antoine and Luisa Fernanda initially settled in England before relocating to Spain. They resided in various palaces, including the San Telmo Palace in Seville and the Orleans Palace in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
In 1859, Antoine was granted the title of Infante of Spain by Queen Isabella II.
Political Involvements
Antoine played a role in the 1868 revolution that overthrew Queen Isabella. However, the new government demanded his departure from Spain, and he spent a year in exile in Portugal.
In 1870, Antoine was sentenced to a month's confinement and fined for killing Infante Heinrich of Bourbon, Duke of Seville, in a duel. Heinrich had published an offensive remark in the newspaper "La Epoca."
Later Years and Death
Despite his earlier political involvement, Antoine favored a constitutional monarchy. He briefly considered becoming a candidate for the Spanish throne in 1870 but withdrew his candidacy.
The Duke of Montpensier died of an apoplectic stroke at the age of 65. He had ten children with Luisa Fernanda.
