The count of Paris this Tuesday in Toulouse: “There will always be a place for the monarchy”
The count of Paris Jean d’Orléans, contender for the crown of France, and his family met this Tuesday in Toulouse with the students of the Ohr-Torah Jewish school, the target of the 2012 attacks. Interview with the descendant of the last king of France , who settled in the Toulouse region.
The Count of Paris Jean d’Orléans, heir to the crown of France, meets this Tuesday in Toulouse with the students of the Ohr-Torah Jewish school, target of the 2012 attacks. With his wife, Princess Philomena and their five children, they will give the school a cushion embroidered with three lilies, a symbol of royalty. Interview with the descendant of the last king of France, who settled in the Toulouse region.
What is the meaning of your visit to the Ohr-Torah school?
I had already visited the school last spring and we were invited, my family and I, for Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday which is a bit like the advent of Christians. It makes sense, for Christians that we are, to see what is happening in other communities. We must show openness at a time when France is very divided.
What do the three fleur-de-lis that adorn the embroidered pillow you give to school symbolize?
These are the arms of royalty. There are similarities between the fleur-de-lis and the Star of David. The kings of France have always wanted to join the lineage of the kings of Israel. The history of the Jewish people is closely linked to the monarchy.
What do you want to say to the students of the school?
In a complicated time when people tend to replicate themselves, the bonds that unite us are stronger than those that separate us.
“I decided to show the fangs”
Comment do you keep the crown of France alive?
In family life, for example, a certain number of principles perpetuate this particular memory. For our children, it is a way of behaving towards others, being caring rather than selfish, serving rather than helping oneself. May everyone find their fulfillment in the respect of others. I also launched the “Shared Nation” program for education in disadvantaged areas.
Why have you settled in Aude?
We launched a lawsuit and we preferred to settle there so that our family life is not impacted.
What action are you referring to? The dispute between you and the Saint-Louis Foundation?
Yes. When my grandfather returned from post-war exile, he created the Fondation de France to administer the property of the Orléans family (the Château d’Amboise, the Château de Dreux, the Château de Bourbon-l ‘ Archambault … Editor’s note) and ensure its sustainability. Since his death, the obligations of the Saint-Louis Foundation have not been fulfilled. I am honorary president but I am kept away from decisions. I no longer have a say in the management of the heritage of the Maison de France. So, after a first attempt at conciliation, I decided to show my teeth. In January, I launched legal proceedings to prove that the foundation had not fulfilled its obligations and to order the restitution of all the property which had been entrusted to it. In response, the foundation’s leaders launched an expulsion procedure against me. And so to fight, we moved away from our house in Dreux.
What do you think of national politics? Who will you support in the presidential election?
I do not want to enter into this debate, there is no place for me. But I note that today, few politicians speak of the common good and national unity. Perhaps this is the role of the prince. After all, most of our neighbors live under the regime of parliamentary monarchy with the king who has a strong and even institutional role.
So you think that the monarchy still has a future in France?
I often say that the French are monarchists at heart and Republicans at heart. There will always be a place for the monarchy. People identify more with a figure than with ideas. When a child on a football field wears Ronaldo’s jersey, he identifies with someone. Why not in politics?