born at the palais royal in paris he was named louis philippe d'orléans, louis philippe in honour of his father. his parents were the duke and duchess of orléans. one of the most senior members of the french royal court. he was born a prince of the blood which entitled him to be addressed as "his serene highness". from birth he was given the title of duke of valois one of his fathers subsidiary titles. he was the eldest of four children born to the duke and duchess. he was a member of the house of orléans, itself a cadet branch of the ruling house of bourbon. the two branches were both directly descended from louis xiv and were often in competition with one another.