Philippe de Vendôme

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Philippe de Vendôme, the "Grand Prior" (1655 - 1727), was Grand Prior for France in the Order of Malta, a French army commander and the younger brother of Louis Joseph, duc de Vendôme.

His father was Louis, 2nd duke of Vendôme, and his mother Laura Mancini.

He was Grand Prior for France in the Order of Malta. In that function he pursued a military career. In 1669 he fought against the Turks in the Siege of Candia (Crete), where his uncle, François de Vendôme, duc de Beaufort, was killed.

Later he fought at Fleurus , Steenkirk and Marsaglia.

In the Spanish War of Succession he was briefly in command of the French troops in Italy, but wasn't up for the job. He was no match for Eugene of Savoy , but was saved by his brother in the Battle of Cassano (1705). After this battle, he was demoted and served under his brother in Flanders.

After the death of Louis, he inherited his titles. But he died without issue and the titles became extinct.