he was named after his two grandfathers king ferdinand i of the two sicilies and philippe égalité. he was born in palermo and given the title of duke of chartres. he was also a prince of the blood at the french royal court of versailles. this gave him the style of "serene highness". his father was banned from attending court at versailles due to his liberal views. prince did not attend either. he instead remained at his father's court at their parisian residence the palais royal.