Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

On this day ~ 19th July 1810

Death of Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz ~ Queen of Prussia

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Duchess Luise Auguste Wilhelmine Amalie of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, was born on 10th March 1776, in Hanover.

Through her marriage, she produced nine children, including the future monarchs Frederick William IV of Prussia, and Wilhelm I, German Emperor.

When Louise was only six years old, her mother died in childbirth, leaving a permanent mark on the young duchess.

She would often give away pocket change to other children who experienced similar losses, stating "she is like me, she has no mother"

Louise's grandmother, Marie~Louise of Hesse~Darmstadt, preferred to raise her grandchildren quite simply, and they often made their own clothes.

Complementary to her lessons of french and religious studies, she was given an education on charitable acts.

Louise would often accompany her governess, when visiting the houses of the poor and needy.

Louise was encouraged to give out as much as was in her means, although she often got into trouble with her grandmother for donating too much for charity.

From the age of ten until her marriage at 17, Louise spent most of her time in the presence of her grandmother and governess.

By 1793, Louise had grown up into a beautiful young woman, possessing "an exquisite complexion" and "large blue eyes," and was of naturally graceful deportment"

On a visit to Frankfurt seventeen-year-old Louise met the king's son and heir, Crown Prince Frederick William.

The crown prince was twenty-three, serious-minded, and religious.

Louise made such a charming impression on Frederick William, that he immediately made his choice, desiring to marry her.

Frederick and Louise were subsequently married on 24th December that same year.

The marriage was a happy one, and Louise was well-beloved by everyone.

Her father~in~Law the king, called her "the princess of princesses"

Louise saw it as her duty to support her husband in all his pursuits, and the couple enjoyed singing together and reading from Shakespeare.

Louise soon became pregnant, at the age of 18.

Unfortunately she gave birth to a stillborn daughter on 1st October 1794.

Nine healthy children would follow in quick succession, though two died in childhood.

Louise's charitable giving continued throughout her life, and on one occasion, while attending a harvest festival, she purchased presents and distributed them to local children.

On her first birthday after her marriage in Berlin, when King Frederick William II asked his daughter-in-law what she desired for a present, Louise replied she wanted a handful of money to let the city's people share her joy; he smilingly gave her a large quantity for the task.

On 16th November 1797, Louise's husband succeeded to the throne of Prussia as King Frederick William III, after the death of his father.

Louise's constant presence with her husband, was a break from the traditional role of the consort.

The queen went out of her way to stay informed about political developments at court, and from the very beginning of his reign the new king consulted Louise on matters of state.

Near the birth of her youngest child Princess Louise in 1809, she became sick for much of that year.

It was reported by their priest~

"our dear queen is far from joyful, but her seriousness has a quiet serenity... her eyes have lost their former sparkle, and one sees that they have wept much, and still weep"

On 19th July 1810, while visiting her father in Strelitz, Louise died in her husband's arms, from an unidentified illness.

She was 34 years old.

Records say that Louise, in later life, always wore a thick wrapping around her neck.

It was to conceal a botched operation for goitre, which left an open sore, which eventually killed her.

Louise's untimely death left her husband alone during a period of great difficulty, as the Napoleonic Wars and need for reform continued.

Louise was buried in the garden of Charlottenburg Palace, where a mausoleum, containing a fine statue, was built over her grave.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/.../Louise_of_Mecklenburg...

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https://ko-fi.com/thetudorintruders

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Louise Queen of Prussia, 1802 ~ portrait by Josef Grassi