Antoine Philippe, Duc de Montpensier

Soldier

Antoine Philippe d'Orleans, Duc de Montpensier was first buried in a vault in the north ambulatory with the Marquis of Montandre but was removed to a new brick vault on 25th September 1807 at the east end of Henry VII's chapel in Westminster Abbey made for the purpose. It is not clear why it took so long to erect his monument.

His monument, by sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott, is signed and dated 1830 and is in the south east apsidal chapel in Henry VII's chapel. This shows a recumbent effigy lying on a mattress, wearing a coronet of fleurs de lis and dressed in a mantle embroidered with fleurs de lis, with a border of roses. His right hand rests on a book. At the end of the tomb chest is the coat of arms of Orleans within the collar of the Order of the Saint Esprit, surmounted by a coronet of fleurs de lis.

The Latin inscription, composed by General Dumouriez, can be translated:

The distinguished and serene prince, Antoine Philippe, Duke of Montpensier, descended from kings, second son of the Duke of Orleans. From a tender youth he was strenuous in arms, unsubdued by fetters, neither broken in adversity nor exalted by good fortune. A constant supporter of the liberal arts, he was cultivated, courteous and agreeable to all.

However tried by the vicissitudes of Fortune, he was yet supported by the generous hospitality of the English, and rests in this truly royal sanctuary. Born 3rd July 1775, died 18th May 1807, aged 31. This stone was erected in memory of a most beloved brother by Louis Philippe, Duke of Orleans

The same inscription is inscribed on the wall behind the monument which was obviously the original "stone" referred to. There is also a small shield.

Dimensions: 6 feet 9 inches by 2 feet 6 inches. Extreme length at the base 7 feet 3 inches by 2 feet 8 inches.

His Life

He was the second son of Louis, 5th Duke of Orleans (1747-1793) and his wife Louise de Bourbon and was born in Paris. Antoine's brother Louis Philippe became King of France. He served in his brother's army regiment and fought with him at the battle of Jemmapes. He was arrested with other Bourbons in 1793 and imprisoned in Marseille. Here he contracted tuberculosis, which eventually killed him. With Francoise Barbaroux he had an illegitimate son called Jean Antoine Philippe Dentend (1797-1858).

The French Republic exiled him to America and he travelled with his brothers there. In 1800 he continued his exile in Twickenham, England but died while on a journey just outside the town. Louis Philippe arranged a funeral for him at the Catholic chapel in King Street in London. With the help of the Duke of Kent permission was granted for his burial in the Abbey.

The remains of Queen Marie of Savoy who died in 1810, wife of Louis XVIII, rested in this vault for a time before she was removed to be buried in Sardinia.