Third son (1608-1660) of King Henry IV of France and his wife Marie de' Medici, and brother of King Louis XIII; remembered for his frequent quarrels with his brother and Cardinal Richelieu. ALS in French, signed “Gaston,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 9, August 17, 1650. Handwritten letter by the Duke of Orleans, announcing to the Queen Regent, Anne of Austria, the birth of a son, and protesting his fidelity towards her. Addressed on the reverse, "A la Reyne." In fine condition, with minor scattered foxing. The birth of Gaston's only son, Jean Gaston, Duke of Valois, was greatly celebrated by his older half-sister, Anne Marie Louise, 'la Grande Mademoiselle,' who ordered a large fireworks display in Paris to celebrate his birth. The little boy sadly passed away at the age of two at the Palais d'Orléans.
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