6. Louis XIV vs. Philippe, Duke of Orléans
King Louis XIV’s rivalry with his flamboyant younger brother, Philippe, Duke of Orléans, was marked by jealousy and snubs, profoundly influencing the etiquette and strict hierarchy at Versailles. Philippe’s preference for male companions and his effeminate attire contrasted sharply with Louis XIV’s image, leading to tensions that revealed the pettiness at the heart of absolute monarchy. (en.chateauversailles.fr)
