queen louise of prussia
Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

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

On 10 March 1776, Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt, Duchess Charles of Mecklenburg-Strelitz gave birth to her sixth but third surviving child – a daughter named Louise. She had two elder surviving sisters, Charlotte and Therese. Her two younger surviving siblings were Frederica and her father’s heir, Georg. A younger half-brother named Charles joined the family in [read more]

frederica of mecklenburg-strelitz
Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, An unwelcome guest (Part six)

Read part five here. Nevertheless, the new Duchess of Cumberland made her way to England and landed at Dover on 28 August. An Anglican wedding ceremony took place the following day at Carlton House, officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Frederica wore a gold-embroidered white satin gown and a long train. It would be a [read more]

Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, A royal Duchess (Part five)

Read part four here. Frederica had wanted to return to Louise sooner, but her visits were postponed time and time again by her sister for various reasons. At the end of June 1810, Frederica finally returned to Louise. Their joyful reunion would last just five days as Louise suddenly fell ill. She developed a cold, [read more]

louise and frederica of mecklenburg-strelitz
Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, The happiness of being a mother (Part four)

Read part three here. Even though her future was uncertain, Frederica felt positive about it. She wrote, “I have always desired and strived to love and be loved. Now I will finally enjoy this happiness.” Her new home would be Ansbach, and she continued to keep in touch with her family through letters. They could [read more]

Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

The Year of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz – Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, The poor and seduced child (Part three)

Read part two here.  Now a widow, Frederica moved into Schönhausen Palace, which was further away from her sister. The official period of mourning for her husband was set at three months, but it was extended after the death of Frederick the Great’s widow, Elisabeth Christine, in January 1797. Frederica was often visited by her [read more]