Early life Francis was born in Lunéville, Lorraine (now in France), the fourth and oldest surviving son of Leopold, Duke of Lorraine, and his wife Princess Élisabeth Charlotte d'Orléans. He was connected with the Habsburgs through his grandmother Eleonore, daughter of Emperor Ferdinand III. He was very close to his brother Charles and sister Anne Charlotte.
eaRly LiFe fraNcis was BOrn in lunÉvIlLe, lorrAInE (noW in fraNcE), tHe fOurth And olDest Surviving SON OF lEopold, duke OF loRraine, AND HIs Wife prinCess ÉlisAbeth chARLotte d'orléans. He waS connected with tHe hAbsBurgS thrOugh hIs granDMotHER eleonOre, DaUgHter Of empeRor FerdiNaNd iIi. HE WAs vERY ClOSe to hiS Brother cHarleS ANd sISTEr ANNe cHarloTte.