The title of Duke de La Rochefoucauld is a French peerage, from the great House La Rochefoucauld, cadets of an ancient House of Lusignan, whose origins go back to Lord Rochefoucauld in Charente in the 10th century with Foucauld 1st (973–1047), first Lord of La Roche then La Rochefoucauld, possibly son of Adémar, Lord of La Roche (952–1037). They got the title of Baron in the 13th century, then became Count in 1528 with François I de La Rochefoucauld, godfather of King François I and in 1622, François V de La Rochefoucauld, whose son François VI was a leading figure of La Fronde and the author of the Maxims, was made Duke by Louis XIII. They are also, since 16th century, Prince of Marcillac. Then they become during the 18th century: Duke of Liancourt (François XII, eminent philanthropist, saying to Louis XVI: “Sir, it’s not a revolt, it’s a revolution”), Duke of Enville and Duke of Estissac. Afterwards: Prince de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel, Duke of Doudeauville, Duke of Estrées and Duke of Bisaccia. They are also: Marquises of Montendre, of Barbezieux, of Surgères and Bayers; also Count de Duretal, Count de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel and Baron de Verteuil. They were: Blessed of the Catholic Church (the two brothers bishops massacred together at the French Revolution: Pierre-Louis and François-Joseph de La Rochefoucauld-Bayers), cardinals (François, Dominique, …), bishops, grand maîtres de la garde-robe and Grand Huntsman of France, chambellans, ministers, lieutenants general of the armies, UK field marshal, Denmark marshal, ambassadors, grand hospitaller of the Order of Malta, presidents and founders of multiple clubs (jockey club, polo, …). Many of them were elevated in the Order of the Légion d'Honneur and around 40 of them were/are members of the Sovereign Order of Malta (including 10 nowadays). The castle of La Rochefoucauld has been in the family since the 10th century. The La Rochefoucauld-Montbel owned the Lascaux caves at the moment of their discovery and are closely linked to the Pellevoisin sanctuary (holy Mary apparitions) in France.