Princess Charlotte Of Prussia

Princess Charlotte of Prussia (German: Victoria Elisabeth Augusta Charlotte, Prinzessin von Preußen) was born on 24 July 1860 at the Neues Palais in Potsdam. She was the second child and eldest daughter of Prince Frederick of Prussia, who later became Crown Prince of Prussia in 1861 and German Emperor in 1888, and Victoria, Princess Royal, known as Vicky within the family. Charlotte belonged to the House of Hohenzollern, which had ruled Prussia since the 17th century. Her maternal grandparents were Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Her early childhood was characterized by health and behavioral challenges. She was described as a difficult and indifferent student with a nervous disposition, displaying nervous agitation, tantrums, and physical ailments. Queen Victoria recorded her as "sweet naughty little Ditta," noting her nervousness, sensitivity, and thinness. Characterized by a problematic relationship with her mother, Vicky, Charlotte was also favored by her paternal grandparents, King Wilhelm I and Queen Augusta, who encouraged her rebellious tendencies. She had a close relationship with her older brother Wilhelm, future German Emperor Wilhelm II, although it became strained after his marriage.

Her upbringing involved a blend of courtly life and country experiences, with the family spending winters in Berlin and summers in Potsdam. She was often raised in the English style due to her mother’s influence and frequent trips to England. Charlotte's education was considered lacking by her mother, who valued moral and political leadership, but Charlotte's academic development was hindered by her health issues and temperament.

Charlotte married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Meiningen on 18 February 1878, when she was 17 years old. The marriage was intended to foster independence from her family, and Bernhard, nine years her senior, was an army officer with interests in archaeology. The couple resided near Potsdam and in Cannes; Charlotte spent winters in France to alleviate her health problems. They had one child, Princess Feodora, born on 12 May 1879. Feodora was the second-generation granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the first great-grandchild of Emperor Wilhelm I. Charlotte was primarily involved in social life and was known for her fashion sense, smoking, and hosting parties. She often left her daughter in the care of her mother and other family members.

In 1914, Bernhard inherited the duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, and Charlotte became the Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen. During World War I, she served as a figurehead overseeing the duchy while her husband served at the front. The war’s end resulted in the abolition of her husband's title following the abdication of the German monarchies in November 1918. Charlotte’s health declined over the years, and she reported experiencing chronic pains and kidney issues, eventually dying of a heart attack in Baden-Baden on 1 October 1919 at the age of 59.

Medical analyses of her health have suggested that she and her daughter Feodora may have suffered from porphyria, a hereditary genetic disorder. Studies including exhumation and genetic testing have indicated the presence of mutations associated with porphyria in her remains and family history, correlating with her symptoms such as abdominal pains, skin rashes, and dark urine.

Charlotte’s personal relationships were marked by conflict and controversy. She was notable for her gossiping and eccentric personality, and her interactions with family members—particularly her daughter Feodora—were often strained. Her reputation was affected by scandals, including the circulation of confidential court letters in 1891, which implicated her involvement in court intrigues. She also maintained a contentious relationship with her daughter Feodora, who married Prince Henry XXX of Reuss in 1898.

She was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Crown of India on 19 June 1911. She died in Baden-Baden in 1919, and her husband Bernhard III died nine years later. They were buried together at Schloss Altenstein in Thuringia.