What is princes of the blood?

The term "princes of the blood" refers to a category of French nobility that included male members of the royal family who were descended from the reigning monarch but who were not themselves kings. This category was created in the late Middle Ages in order to distinguish those who were closest in line to the throne from other nobles of the realm.

Princes of the blood enjoyed various privileges and titles, such as the right to be addressed as "Monsieur" (for male members) or "Madame" (for female members), and the ability to hold high-ranking military or diplomatic positions. They were also granted precedence over other noble families at court and in official ceremonies.

Not all descendants of a reigning monarch were considered princes of the blood, as the title was usually reserved for those who were born within a legitimate marriage and whose parents were themselves of royal blood. Furthermore, the status of princes of the blood was not granted automatically, but had to be recognized by the reigning monarch.

In modern times, the concept of princes of the blood has largely disappeared in France, although some descendants of the royal family still use the title for ceremonial purposes.