Gaston, Duke of Orléans (1608-1660), was a French nobleman and the younger brother of King Louis XIII. Born into the House of Bourbon, he was known for his ambitious nature and desire for power, often leading to conflicts with his brother and the royal court. Gaston played a significant role in the political intrigues of his time, including involvement in the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. Despite his ambitions, Gaston never ascended to the throne. He was married to Marie de Bourbon, and they had several children, including Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, who became a prominent figure in the French court. Gaston's life was marked by his attempts to gain influence and navigate the complexities of French politics during the early 17th century.