The illegitimate son of a British King who became a Marshal of France

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: James FitzJames, the illegitimate son of James II, was born in France and rose to become one of the most respected military commanders of his era. Despite his English ducal title, he spent his life serving the French and Spanish crowns, eventually meeting a dramatic end on the battlefield.

Born in 1670 to James II and Arabella Churchill, sister of the famous Duke of Marlborough, FitzJames was raised in France as a Catholic. His early military education included service in Hungary, where he participated in the Siege of Buda in 1686 and the Battle of Mohács. Upon returning to England, he was appointed Governor of Portsmouth and Colonel of The Blues, though the Glorious Revolution of 1688 forced him into exile alongside his father.

FitzJames’s career flourished in the service of Louis XIV. He fought in Ireland during the Williamite War, notably at the Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Limerick. His tactical skill earned him the rank of Marshal of France in 1706. A year later, he achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Almanza, where he led a Franco-Spanish army to defeat an Allied force, effectively ending Habsburg hopes for the Spanish throne. His success was recognized with noble titles from both the French and Spanish monarchs.

Despite his high standing, his life was marked by complex loyalties and personal tragedy. He was captured by his own uncle, Charles Churchill, during the Battle of Landen in 1693 and later ransomed. He also faced the disappointment of his half-brother, the Old Pretender, who never forgave him for refusing to lead the Jacobite Risings. His distinguished military life concluded abruptly in 1734 during the Siege of Philippsburg, where he was killed by a cannonball.

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