Aumale, Count of

French title first granted by William the Conqueror to his brother-in-law Odo of Champagne. After passing through many hands, the title came into the possession of Louis XIV, who gave it to the Duke of Maine, and subsequently it came into the hands of the dukes of Orléans. The title of Duke of Aumale has been borne by the sons of dukes of Orléans since the reign of Louis Philippe.

Havoise, Countess of Aumale in her own right, married firstly William de Mandeville, Earl of Essex (died 1189), secondly William de Fors (died 1195), and thirdly Baldwin de Behen (died 1214). On the death of Baldwin, Count of Aumale by right of his wife, the county was claimed by William de Fors, son of Havoise by her second marriage, and was confirmed in his possession by King John. But Normandy had in the meantime been conquered by Philip II of France, and Aumale was taken by the French crown and conferred on the son of Philip II.

Charles de Lorraine, Duke of Aumale (c. 1554–1631), a French courtier, supported the dukes of Guise during the religious wars in France. Together with the Duke of Mayenne, he became leader of the Catholics on the death of Henry of Guise. After being decisively defeated by Henry IV, he went over to the Spaniards and betrayed several places into their hands. He died in exile in Brussels.

Henri Eugene Philippe d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale (1822–97), was the son of Louis Philippe, King of France. He served with distinction in the French army, and in 1879 became inspector general of the army. In 1886 he was exiled from France, but the decree was later revoked.