Friedrich Franz, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Friedrich Franz |
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| Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin | |||||
| Head of the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin | |||||
| Tenure | 17 November 1945 – 31 July 2001 | ||||
| Predecessor | Frederick Francis IV | ||||
| Successor | Borwin, Duke of Mecklenburg | ||||
| Born | 22 April 1910 Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany |
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| Died | 31 July 2001 (aged 91) Hamburg, Germany |
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| Spouse |
Karin Elisabeth von Schaper
(m. 1941; div. 1967)(m. 1977–2001; his death) |
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| House | House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin | ||||
| Father | Frederick Francis IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin | ||||
| Mother | Princess Alexandra of Hanover | ||||
Friedrich Franz, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (born April 22, 1910 – died July 31, 2001) was a German prince. He was the oldest son and heir to the throne of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. This was a large area in northern Germany. He was also involved with a military group during World War II.
Early Life and Family History
Friedrich Franz was born in Schwerin, a city in Germany. He was the first child of Grand Duke Frederick Francis IV. His mother was Princess Alexandra of Hanover. His grandfather was Crown Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover. His grandmother was Princess Thyra of Denmark. She was the youngest daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark.
After World War I ended in 1918, Germany changed a lot. His father, the Grand Duke, gave up his royal title. This happened on November 14, 1918. The Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin became a free state. This meant it was no longer ruled by a duke.
Because of these changes, Friedrich Franz did not become a ruler. In 1919, Germany's new constitution removed royal titles. However, families could still use their old titles as part of their last name. So, Friedrich Franz became known as Friedrich Franz, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Life After the Monarchy Ended
In May 1931, Friedrich Franz joined a military organization. He did this even though his father did not want him to. By 1936, he had become a captain in this group.
During World War II, he was sent to Denmark. He worked at the German embassy there. He helped a person named Werner Best. In the summer of 1944, he also served with a tank unit.
In May 1943, his family had a meeting. They decided that Friedrich Franz would not inherit the family property. Instead, his younger brother, Duke Christian Louis, would inherit it.
Friedrich Franz married Karin Elisabeth von Schaper in 1941. They got married near Lake Schwerin. They later divorced in 1967. However, they remarried ten years later in 1977. They stayed married until his death in 2001.
