william i german emperor
Prussia

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – The life and death of the future William I, German Emperor (Part two)

Read part one here. Around 1825, William became romantically involved with his cousin, Princess Elisa Radziwiłł. However, she was not considered to be sufficiently noble in rank for a marriage with a Prussian prince. His brother’s marriage had thus far been childless, and he might even become King one day. William’s father tried to find [read more]
Prussia

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – The life and death of the future William I, German Emperor (Part one)

The future William I, German Emperor, was born on 22 March 1797 as the second son of the future King Frederick William III and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. He had an elder brother, the future King Frederick William IV, and two surviving younger brothers (Charles and Albert) and three surviving younger sisters (Charlotte, Alexandrine and Louise). [read more]
Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – The early years of Queen Louise (Part two)

Read part one here. Troubled times were coming, and soon the French revolutionary troops were advancing towards Mainz. Frankfurt was captured in October 1792, closely followed by Darmstadt. Louise wrote to Therese, “All of this can make one die of fear, and my fear-filled heart was close to bursting. We don’t know yet what the [read more]