Francesco d'Orléans, Prince of Joinville

Family Background

Francesco d'Orléans was the son of Louis Philippe of Orléans (1773-1850), at the time of his birth Duke of Chartres, and Princess Maria Amalia of Bourbon-Due Sicilie (1782-1866). His paternal grandparents were Duke Louis Philippe II of Bourbon-Orléans and Duchess Luisa Maria Adelaide of Bourbon. On his mother's side, his grandparents were Ferdinand I, king of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, and his wife Maria Carolina of Habsburg-Lorena, born Archduchess of Austria.

Marriage and Children

In 1843, Francesco married Francesca of Braganza (1824-1898), Princess of Brazil and Portugal, daughter of Peter I of Brazil. At the time of their wedding, the territory where today is the Brazilian city of Joinville was part of the dowry of the princess, which was named in honor of the Prince.

The couple had three children:

* Francesca Maria d'Orléans (1844-1925), who married Robert d'Orléans (1840-1910), Duke of Chartres, in 1863.
* Pietro d'Orléans (1845-1919)
* A third child, whose name is not mentioned in the sources.

Life and Death

Francesco was born on [no date specified] and died on January 1, 1900. He was a member of the Capetian house in Orleans and held the title of Prince of Joinville.