George I Of Saxe-Meiningen

George I (German: Georg Friedrich Karl) was born on 4 February 1761 in Frankfurt. He was the fourth son of Anton Ulrich, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, and Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Philippsthal. By birth, he was part of the Ernestine branch of the House of Wettin. His father was 73 years old at the time of his birth and died two years later, in 1763.

George I ascended to the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen on 21 July 1782 following the death of his older and childless brother, Karl Wilhelm. He governed the duchy until his death on 24 December 1803. His reign was characterized by the implementation of reforms aligned with the principles of "enlightened absolutism." His policies emphasized education, social reform, and cultural development.

Among his initiatives, George I ordered the construction of the Gymnasium, which was later named Bernhardinum in honor of his son. He also opened the ducal library to the general public, reformed Protestant church practices within his territory, and introduced various social policies. Under a pseudonym, he authored philosophical treatises. His governance was regarded by many contemporaries as a model of enlightened rulership, and his duchy was noted for its advancements during his tenure.

In his personal life, George I married Luise Eleonore of Hohenlohe-Langenburg on 27 November 1782 in Langenburg. Luise Eleonore was the eldest daughter of Prince Christian Albert Louis of Hohenlohe-Langenburg and Princess Caroline of Stolberg-Gedern. The couple had four children after a decade of marriage:

- Adelaide Luise Therese Karoline Amalie, born on 13 August 1792 in Meiningen, who married the future King William IV of the United Kingdom on 11 July 1818.

- Ida, born on 25 June 1794 in Meiningen, who married Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on 30 May 1816.

- A stillborn daughter, born on 16 October 1796 in Meiningen.

- Bernhard II Erich Freund, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, born on 17 December 1800 in Meiningen, who died on 3 December 1882.

George I died of a fever on 24 December 1803 at Meiningen. He and his wife, Luise Eleonore, are buried in the Parkfriedhof in Meiningen, Germany.