Antoine Philippe, Duc de Montpensier

Antoine Philippe d'Orleans, Duc de Montpensier was buried in a vault in the north aisle of Henry VII's chapel in Westminster Abbey but was moved on 25th September 1807 to a new brick vault at the east end of this chapel made for the purpose.

His monument, by sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott, is signed and dated 1830 and is in the south east apsidal 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 lies 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.

He was the second son of Louis, 5th Duke of Orleans and his brother Louis Philippe became King of France. Antoine died while in exile in England.

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

Further information

Letters concerning the funeral and burial are in the Archives Nationale Paris.

Sir Richard Westmacott, sculptor by M. Busco, 1994