Charles Hesse facts for kids

Charles Hesse (born around 1791 – died February 24, 1832) was an army officer from Prussia. He became well-known for his connection with the young Princess Charlotte of Wales, who was the only daughter of the future King George IV.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Charles Hesse was the son of a wealthy Prussian merchant. His father made a lot of money, including by supplying clothes to the Russian Army. Charles was educated under the guidance of the Margrave of Ansbach, who lived in England.

After his education, Charles went back to Berlin. He expected to inherit his father's fortune. However, a war called the War of the Fourth Coalition ruined his father's business. The King of Prussia could not pay him for the clothes he supplied to the Prussian Army.

Because of this, Charles Hesse was sent back to England. He was taken care of by the Margravine of Ansbach, who was now a widow. The Duchess of York, who was also from Prussia, helped him too. In December 1808, when he was 17, Hesse became a cornet (a junior officer) in the 18th Light Dragoons. This was arranged by the Duke of York, who was in charge of the army. He was promoted to lieutenant in May 1809.

Life in Society and Royal Connections

Charles Hesse was handsome and good at riding horses. He quickly became popular in English society. People started to spread rumors about his background. Some thought he might be the son of the Margrave and Margravine of Ansbach. Others believed he was the son of the Duke of York.

Hesse did not try to stop these rumors. He seemed to prefer that people thought he came from a very important family, even if it meant being seen as having an unusual birth, rather than being known as the son of a regular banker.

When Hesse's army unit was stationed in Bognor, he tried to get the attention of Princess Charlotte of Wales. She was the only daughter of the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV). Princess Charlotte was staying nearby. They exchanged several letters. A friend named Margaret Mercer Elphinstone helped deliver some of them.

When their secret friendship was discovered, Hesse was sent away. He was posted to Spain with his regiment.

Military Service in Spain and Waterloo

Charles Hesse fought in the Peninsular War in Spain from February 1813 to April 1814. He was part of all the major battles where his regiment fought. These included Morales, Vittoria (where he was badly wounded in the wrist), Nivelle, the Nive, Orthez, Croix d'Orade, and Toulouse.

During this time, Princess Charlotte was being considered for marriage to the Hereditary Prince of Orange. Hesse was asked to return the letters and a portrait that Princess Charlotte had sent him. Lord Wellington himself had delivered these items to Hesse after the Battle of Vittoria. Hesse was at first unwilling to give them back, but he eventually did.

After returning from Spain, Hesse was welcomed by the Margravine of Ansbach and stayed with the Duchess of York. However, the Prince Regent refused to see him.

In August 1814, the Princess of Wales (Charlotte's mother) left England for a trip to Europe. Hesse went with her as her equerry (an officer who attends a royal person). He traveled with her to Naples. He stayed there when the Princess continued her journey to Rome in March 1815.

On June 18, 1815, Hesse was present at the famous Battle of Waterloo. He was wounded during the battle and later received the Waterloo Medal for his service. In February 1816, he was promoted to captain. He retired from the army in February 1819. On January 17, 1825, he married Mary Elizabeth Chambre.

Later Life and Death

Captain Gronow, a friend of Hesse, said that Hesse's life was "full of singular incidents." He mentioned that Hesse's close friendship with the Queen of Naples once led to him being asked to leave that country. Hesse was also known for fighting duels.

In 1832, after an argument over a card game, Hesse fought a duel in France. His opponent was Count Léon, who was a son of Napoleon Bonaparte. Hesse fired first, but Léon's shot hit Hesse in the chest. Charles Hesse died on February 24, 1832, in Nogent-sur-Marne, France.