Philippe I, Duke of Orléans

Philippe I manifested feminine traits very early in his life. Accounts of his mother calling him ‘my little girl’ and encouraging him to wear clothes meant for girls are clear and precise in history books. Philippe I was a cross dresser all his life. By 1658, Philippe’s effeminacy and his attraction towards men became the topic of discussion in the court.

However, neither Philippe’s effeminacy nor his sexual attraction towards men was causes of concern over his manliness. Also, his homosexual behavior did not pose any threat to his first wedding with Princess Henrietta of England, who happened to be his first cousin. While Philippe and Princess Henrietta signed their marriage contract on March 30, 1661, their wedding ceremony took place the next day in the royal palace.

But the couple did not have a peaceful marriage life as Henrietta started flirting with Philippe’s brother Louis XIV in the summer of 1661. When Philippe brought to his mother’s notice about the intimacy shared by his wife with her brother-in-law, his mother Anne rebuked her older son and Henrietta for their attraction towards each other.

Philippe I was born on September 21, 1640 at the royal palace in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. At birth, he held the rank of ‘Fils de France,’ which was usually given to the son of the ruling king. Just an hour after his birth, Philippe I was baptized in a private ceremony and was given the title ‘Duke of Anjou.’

Before Philippe turned three, his older brother Louis XIV inherited the throne of France and hence Philippe became second in line to the French throne. After the death of his father in May 1643, Philippe’s brother became the King of France. As the king’s younger brother, Philippe was honored with the title ‘le Petit Monsieur.’

As a kid, Philippe exhibited great intelligence as confirmed by his mother’s friend Madame de Motteville. He was also an attractive kid and was dubbed the ‘prettiest child in the world’ by the Duchess of Montpensier. On May 11, 1648, the seven year old Philippe was baptized publicly at the royal palace.

Apart from being educated by Caesar, duc de Choiseul, Philippe was also trained by a group of tutors, who were selected carefully by Mazarin, 1st Duke of Rethel. He was taught various languages, history, dancing, literature, and mathematics. His education was closely monitored by his mother, Anne of Austria.

In February 1660, Philippe’s godfather and uncle Gaston passed away, making Philippe entitled to assume the title, ‘Duke of Orleans.’ On May 10, 1661, his brother Louis XIV granted him the title officially. He was also honored with the lordship of Montargis.

In 1667, Philippe became a part of the ‘War of Devolution,’ in which he successfully exhibited his amazing skills as a military commander. 10 years later, he accompanied his army to siege parts of Flanders and was subsequently made the Lieutenant general of his brother’s army.

Philippe soon came to be known as a brave and valiant warrior. His growing popularity in the court annoyed his brother, who was presumably jealous of his younger brother’s success and fame. Philippe reached the pinnacle of his military success on April 11, 1677 when he led his army to victory against William III, Prince of Orange in the ‘Battle of Cassel.’

Under Philippe’s command, his army secured a decisive victory in the ‘Battle of Cassel,’ which earned him praises for his brilliance as a military commander. However, he did not pursue his career as a military commander and instead chose to immerse himself in a life of pleasure.

After showcasing his military expertise in the ‘Battle of Cassel,’ Philippe started focusing on the expansion of his personal fortune, estates, and personal art collection. He also focused on renovating the royal palace and his residences, including his favorite residence, Château de Saint-Cloud.

Popular artists like Pierre Mignard and Jean Nocret were employed to further beautify the royal palace and Saint Cloud. Apart from enjoying architecture and art, Philippe also encouraged music and dance. Having learnt dance at a young age, Philippe was an exceptional dancer and was also a patron of popular musicians like Henri Dumont, Jacques Antoine Arlaud, and Jean-Henri d'Anglebert.

Philippe I was easily able to maintain his lavish lifestyle even in his later life. He also found great solace in watching his children and grandchildren go about their respective life. His daughters from his first marriage went on to become queens, while his son Philippe II pursued an active military career. He even served the military at the ‘Battle of Steenkerque’ and during the siege of Namur.

On June 9, 1701, Philippe I breathed his last at the age of 60, when he collapsed after suffering a fatal stroke in the presence of his son. On June 21, 1701, his mortal remains were taken to the Basilica of St Denis. Philippe’s male lovers had sent him many love letters throughout the course of his life, which were burnt by his widow, fearing that they might fall into the wrong hands. During the French Revolution, the Basilica of St Denis was destroyed, along with all its graves.