In June 26, 1863, he was born in Kyoto as the first son of Tadafusa KONOE, Sadaijin (minister of the left) and Sada-hime (Princess Sada) who was a daughter of Nariakira SHIMAZU (actually, she was an adopted daughter).
1863年（文久3年）6月26日、左大臣・近衛忠房と島津斉彬娘（実は養女）・貞姫の長男として京都に生まれた。