Orléans, House of

   royal dynasty

   orléans is the name of four princely French families. The first was represented by Philippe (1336-75), duke d'Orléans (1344-75), son of King Philip VI of France, who died without heirs. The second issued from louis (1372-1407), duke d'orléans (1392-1407), the son of King charles v, and whose grandson reigned as louis xii. The third was represented by gaston, count of eu, duke d'orléans (1608-60), brother of louis x III, who died without male heirs. The fourth was the issue of philippe, duke d'Orléans (1640-1701), brother of King louis XIV, whose descendant reigned as King LOUIS-PHILIPPE (1830-48).