Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen was a prominent figure in German history as she served as the regent for her son, Adolphus Frederick IV, after the deaths of her husband and brother-in-law.
She was a Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and had a significant impact on the duchies during her brief rule. Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
Early Life and Marriage
Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen was born on August 4, 1713, to Ernest Frederick I, Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen, and his wife, Countess Sophia Albertine of Erbach-Erbach.
On February 5, 1735, she married Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg-Mirow, who was the youngest son of Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Together, Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen and Charles had ten children, including Queen Charlotte, consort to King George III of the United Kingdom.
Unfortunately, Charles died in 1752, leaving Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen a widow and regent of both the ducal appanage of Mirow and the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, as her brother-in-law had also passed away childless.
Regency and Legacy
Image: Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Elisabeth’s regency lasted for only a brief period from 1752 to 1753, as her son Adolphus Frederick IV attained his majority at the age of 14 on January 17, 1753.
However, during her time as regent, she ruled the Strelitz duchies under the protection of George II of Great Britain, and successfully fended off encroachments from Duke Christian Ludwig II, ruler of the Schwerin branch of the House of Mecklenburg.
Elisabeth’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Queen Charlotte, and her descendants, as well as through her contributions to the Mecklenburg-Strelitz duchies.
She died on June 29, 1761, shortly before the marriage of her daughter Sophia Charlotte to King George III of Great Britain, and was buried at the ducal crypt in Mirow.
Conclusion
Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe–Hildburghausen was a remarkable woman who served as a regent during a time of transition for the Mecklenburg-Strelitz duchies.
Her dedication to her duties and her success in protecting the duchies during her regency have earned her a place in history. Her legacy continues to be remembered through her descendants, including Queen Charlotte, who made a significant impact on British history.
*Feature Image: Allan Ramsay, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons