Alexandrine was just seven years old when her mother died. She and her siblings were placed in the care of Princess Maria Anna of Hesse-Homburg, who was married to their uncle, Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, and who became the senior lady of the Prussian court after their mother’s death. Maria Anna, also known as Marianne, was affectionately called Aunt Minnetrost. She had lost two of her daughters, Fredika and Irene, while fleeing from Napoleon.
On 25 May 1822, 19-year-old Alexandrine married 21-year-old Duke Paul Frederick of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. He was the son of Frederick Louis, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of Russia, who was mentioned previously. Paul Frederick’s father had died in 1819 at the age of 41, making him the heir of his grandfather, Frederick Francis I, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
The chronicler Karl August Varnhagen von Ense wrote on the day of the wedding, “Wedding of Princess Alexandrine. Low turnout among the people, also because it is known that no true affection is involved.”1 He wasn’t the only one who noted a lack of affection.
Karoline von Rochow described the wedding in a letter to her sister-in-law, “The Princess entered the chapel already tearful, her hair unattractively styled, and not looking her best. And then the good bishop (Eylert) began a not-so-bad speech, but replete with all the cheap mean of eliciting tears; the separation, the family, the friends, the fatherland, the joys of youth, those far away, the deceased, the queen – in short, nothing was forgotten to smother the poor tearful creature in her tears; so much that one thought she would collapse to the ground at any moment. The entire chapel, of course, wept profusely, and it all looked very gruesome, but afterwards everyone was completely comforted, and things went on as usual. The bride and groom performed well; the Princess especially succeeded in performing the torch dance most beautifully, with grace and propriety.”2
About the next day, she added, “The princess had appeared early in the morning, quite cheerful and quite charming with her husband, and looked very beautiful that evening, much better than at the wedding.”3 On 10 June 1822, Alexandrine and her new husband arrived in their new home at Ludwigslust. The couple had their own separate court of 58 people.
Despite their outward appearances, Paul Frederick and Alexandrine were at least happy enough with each other to consummate the marriage. Ten months after the wedding, Alexandrine gave birth to her first child – a son named Frederick Francis. A second child – a daughter named Louise – followed in 1824, and a second son – named William in 1827. When Paul Frederick’s grandfather was informed in 1826 of Alexandrine’s third pregnancy, he wrote to his grandson, “I hasten to offer my congratulations on the happy insemination of your dear wife, and I am pleased you have done justice to my ancient family, which has never lacked children.”4
Alexandrine was close to her tutor, and she continued to write to him from her new home. During her first year in Ludwigslust, she wrote, “Dear Mr. Schmidt, I cannot possibly let February 14 pass without sending you, as a grateful student, my birthday wishes! Previously, I had the joy of being able to express them to you verbally, but now the pen must entrust them to paper. Meanwhile, they are no less warm and heartfelt. You must be with Louise5 right now, for it is just striking 11 o’clock. This was once the hour when I had lessons with you, in the blue room, behind the small table, and probably sometimes served as a test of your patience. My health is always very good, and I looked forward to the moment of my delivery with great calm. God will turn everything for the best. Farewell and remember me from time to time.”6
In 1826, her husband commissioned Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow to paint his wife and two children, which resulted in the image below.
In 1829, Alexandrine was mentioned by a jockey named Apperley, who raced horses in Heiligendamm, a favourite summer spot of Alexandrine. He wrote, “I must add that today I had the great honour of being introduced to the Hereditary Grand Duchess, an honour that was further enhanced by the fact that I was introduced to Her Royal Highness not by the aide-de-camp on duty but by her spouse. Even if I were to try, I would never succeed in giving my readers a true picture of the youth, amiability and beauty of the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, but as a pearl of German women. I must dedicate a few more lines to Her Royal Highness. This Princess has a winning charm and a wonderful beauty, which, combined with her high rank, makes her irresistible. I believe there is no happier couple on earth than the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess; may they be granted lasting happiness!”7 After winning the Gold Cup, Apperley received the prize from Alexandrine. Despite the pouring rain, he refused a coat and showed her that he carried her colours – blue, yellow, and red – to victory.
- Blätter aus der preussischen Geschichte Band 2 p.126
- Alexandrine. Die Königin von Mecklenburg. Aus dem Leben einer preußischen Prinzessin by Jürgen Borchert p.23
- Alexandrine. Die Königin von Mecklenburg. Aus dem Leben einer preußischen Prinzessin by Jürgen Borchert p.23
- Alexandrine. Die Königin von Mecklenburg. Aus dem Leben einer preußischen Prinzessin by Jürgen Borchert p.43-44
- She means her younger sister.
- Alexandrine. Die Königin von Mecklenburg. Aus dem Leben einer preußischen Prinzessin by Jürgen Borchert p.54
- Alexandrine. Die Königin von Mecklenburg. Aus dem Leben einer preußischen Prinzessin by Jürgen Borchert p.64-65
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