Princess Louise Eleanore Of Hohenlohe-Langenburg

Princess Louise Eleonore of Hohenlohe-Langenburg was born on August 11, 1763, in Langenburg. She was a member of the House of Hohenlohe, specifically the Hohenlohe-Langenburg branch. Her father was Prince Christian Albert Louis of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (born 1726, died 1789), and her mother was Princess Caroline of Stolberg-Gedern (born 1732, died 1796).

On November 27, 1782, she married George I, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, in Langenburg. Through this marriage, she acquired the title of Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen.

Following the death of her husband on December 24, 1803, Princess Louise Eleonore assumed the role of regent for her son, Bernhard II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen. She governed the duchy from 1803 until 1821 during her son's minority. Her regency coincided with the Napoleonic Wars, a period during which the duchy faced military and political upheaval. During this period, the duchy was compelled to join the Confederation of the Rhine and contribute troops to its military efforts. The duchy also experienced famine, prompting Luise to import wheat to alleviate shortages.

Throughout her regency, she remained in the duchy during the movements of French and Russian armies, choosing to stay with her children within the castle rather than flee. She worked to maintain the duchy's autonomy and managed administrative reforms that led to improved governance. In 1813, she joined the Allies, which contributed to safeguarding her son's inheritance and future rule. Her son, Bernhard II, succeeded as Duke of Saxe-Meiningen in 1821, after which Princess Louise Eleonore retired from political responsibilities.

After stepping down as regent, she traveled internationally, including a visit to England to see her daughter Adelaide. She was actively involved in her children’s education; they undertook a grand tour of Italy under the tutorship of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi.

Her children included Adelheid (later known as Queen Adelaide of the United Kingdom), born on August 13, 1792, and who married King William IV in 1818; Ida (born June 25, 1794, died April 4, 1852), who married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach; a stillborn daughter in October 1796; and Bernhard II (born December 17, 1800, died December 3, 1882), who married Princess Marie Frederica of Hesse-Kassel.

Princess Louise Eleonore died on April 30, 1837, in Meiningen.