Prince Ferdinand, Duke of Castro


Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, The Duke of Castro was a claimant to the headship of the former Royal House of the Two Sicilies.

Biography

Ferdinand was born in Podzamcze, the son of Prince Ranieri, Duke of Castro, and his wife Countess Maria Carolina Zamoyska. His parents were first cousins, as his grandmothers were sisters. His paternal grandparents were also first cousins. He lived most of his life in France and was the first member of the Two Sicilian royal family to serve in the French Armed Forces.
Ferdinand succeeded as head of the House of the Bourbon-Two Sicilies on his father's death in 1973, having carried out the functions associated with the headship of the family since 1966. He was Sovereign of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and of the Royal Order of Francis I. He was decorated with several dynastic and state orders.
Ferdinand died in France on 20 March 2008.

Marriage and children

Ferdinand was married in Giez on 23 July 1949 to Chantal de Chevron-Villette, and they had three children: