One of the most important ruling houses of Europe.
Its members were descended from Louis I, duc de Bourbon from 1327 to 1342, grandson of the French king Louis IX . Bourbons subsequently ruled in France (1589–1792, 1814–48); in Spain (1700–1868, 1870–73, 1874–1931, and since 1975); and in Naples and Sicily (1735–1861). Among its prominent members were Henry IV , Louis XIII , Louis XIV , Louis XV , Louis XVI , and Philip V .