Arms of the unified Colonna (left) and Van den Eynde (right) above the gate of Palazzo Zevallos. Ferdinando was the son of Giuliano Colonna and Giovanna van den Eynde
Ferdinand wasn't the firstborn, but with the entry of his elder brother Girolamo into the Knights of Malta in 1714, and the death of the firstborn Lorenzo in 1715, he suddenly found himself in the position of heir apparent.
Ferdinand would go on to become Gentleman of the Chamber of the King of Naples in 1734, Knight of the Order of Saint Januarius in 1738, Papal Master of the Horse the same year, and Grandee of Spain in 1764.[1]