Background
His father, Gaston d'Orléans, was the youngest brother of the late Louis XIII. As such, Jean Gaston was born during the reign of his first cousin, the 12-year-old Louis XIV.
His father, Gaston d'Orléans, was the youngest brother of the late Louis XIII. As such, Jean Gaston was born during the reign of his first cousin, the 12-year-old Louis XIV.
He was given the title of Duke of Valois, a title which was from his father's appanage from Louis XIII. As a Grandson of France, he was allowed the style of Royal Highness and from his birth, was the fourth male in the kingdom after Louis XIV, the Duke of Anjou and his father, Gaston. He was adored by la Grande Mademoiselle despite the child always having frail health. He was never able to walk and could not speak - Jean Gaston had a crooked leg which had been attributed to the Duchess of Orléans lying on her side throughout her pregnancy.
He was buried at the Royal Basilica of Saint Denis outside Paris, the traditional burial place of the House of Bourbon. The duchy of Valois reverted to his father (died 1660), after whose death the duchy of Orléans reverted to the Crown. The previously mentioned Duke of Anjou became the Duke of Orléans and it is from him the present House of Orléans descends.
Titles and styles
17 August 1650 – 10 August 1652 His Royal Highness the Duke of Valois (Monseigneur le duc de Valois).
He was a member of the House of Orléans.