About this episode
This episode explores the life of Philippe, Duc d’Orléans, the younger brother of Louis XIV, highlighting his complexities and the challenges faced by second sons in royal history.
Greg Jenner is joined in 17th-century France by Dr Jonathan Spangler and comedian Tom Allen to learn all about Philippe, Duc d’Orléans, Louis XIV’s younger brother. King Louis XIV is one of the most famous monarchs in French history: the man who built and presided over the glittering court at Versailles, established himself as an absolute ruler, and whose 72-year reign is still the longest in European history. But what about his younger brother, Philippe? Who was the man who grew up and lived in the shadow of the Sun King? Raised to defer to his brother at all costs, his promising military career was cut short when it seemed like he might outshine Louis. When all eyes were on him as heir to the throne, he would wear dresses to provoke shock at courtly balls. He balanced his marriage to his witty German wife, Liselotte, with a decades-long relationship with his aristocratic male lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine – and other men of the court. And he maintained an image as a louche and irresponsible courtier while increasing his personal wealth through clever financial management. This episode explores the complexities and contradictions of Philippe’s life, and examines the difficult…
People in this episode
Host: Greg Jenner
Guests: Dr Jonathan Spangler, Tom Allen
Topics covered
- French history
- royalty
- 17th century
- family dynamics
- court life
- gender roles
Keywords
- Philippe Duc d’Orléans
- Louis XIV
- court of Versailles
- 17th century France
- royal family
- gender identity
- aristocracy
- military career
- courtly balls
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4
Books & works: You're Dead to Me
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