Philippe I, Duke of Orleans was the son of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII, who ruled as the King of France from 1610 to 1643. Born Duke of Anjou, Philippe I became the Duke of Orleans in 1660 upon the death of his uncle Gaston, who had previously held the prestigious position. He later came to be known as the younger brother of the popular King Louis XIV, who was better known as the ‘Sun King.’ Philippe I was a brave and excellent warrior, who led his troops in various battles. In 1677, he was appointed as the military commander of a Franco-Dutch War called ‘The Battle of Cassel,’ in which he led his army to a decisive victory over the Dutch. He also founded a cadet branch called ‘House of Orleans’ and then worked towards its prosperity. Later nicknamed as the ‘grandfather of Europe,’ the Duke of Orleans was openly bisexual and displayed effeminate mannerisms, including cross-dressing.
