Prince Giuseppe (Joseph) was born at the Royal Palace of Naples to King Ferdinand IV of Naples and his Austrian consort Maria Carolina of Austria, daughter of Empress Maria Theresa.

His oldest brother Carlo, Duke of Calabria (d.1778) died of smallpox[1] aged 3 and the next in line, Francis became heir apparent.

His sisters included the future Holy Roman Empress, Grand Duchess of Tuscany.

His cousins included a Duke of Parma, Grand Duke of Tuscany, Holy Roman Emperor, Queen of Portugal, King of Spain, a Duchess of Calabria, the first wife of his older brother Ferdinand.

He died at the Caserta Palace and was buried at the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Naples.