Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein |
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Photograph of Prince Christian, c. 1866
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| Born | 22 January 1831 Augustenborg, Denmark |
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| Died | 28 October 1917 (aged 86) Pall Mall, London |
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| Burial | 1 November 1917 Royal Vault, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle 23 October 1928 Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore |
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| House | Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg | ||||
| Father | Christian August II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg | ||||
| Mother | Countess Louise Sophie Danneskiold-Samsøe | ||||
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Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (born Frederick Christian Charles Augustus; January 22, 1831 – October 28, 1917) was a German prince. He became part of the British royal family when he married Princess Helena of the United Kingdom. Princess Helena was the fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Prince Christian was born at Augustenborg Palace in Denmark. He was the second son of Christian August II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg and his wife, Countess Louise Sophie of Danneskiold-Samsøe.
In 1848, when Christian was young, his father led a movement. This movement aimed to resist Denmark's claims over the areas of Schleswig and Holstein. These two areas were personal lands of the Danish kings. Holstein was also part of the German Confederation, a group of German states.
A year before, King Frederick VII became the King of Denmark. He had no sons to inherit his throne. In Denmark, a law called Lex Regia allowed the throne to pass through the female royal line. However, in Holstein, a different rule called Salic Law was followed. This law meant the throne could only pass through the male line. Because of this, the Duchy of Holstein would likely go to Prince Christian's family line, the House of Holstein-Sonderburg.
During the First War of Schleswig in 1852, Prince Christian served briefly in the Schleswig-Holstein army. After the war, he and his family had to leave their home as Danish forces advanced. Later, he studied at the University of Bonn. There, he became good friends with Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia, who later became the German Emperor Frederick III.
Marriage to Princess Helena
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In September 1865, Princess Helena met Prince Christian while visiting Coburg. They became engaged in December of that year. Queen Victoria agreed to their marriage. She had one condition: the couple must live in Great Britain.
They were married at the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle on July 5, 1866. Just seven days before the wedding, Queen Victoria gave Prince Christian the special title of Royal Highness.
In 1891, Prince Christian lost an eye in an accident. His brother-in-law, the Duke of Connaught, accidentally shot him during a hunting trip at Sandringham.
Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein lived at Frogmore House on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Later, they moved to Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park. They had six children:
- Prince Christian Victor (April 14, 1867 – October 29, 1900); he never married. He died young while serving in the military and was buried in South Africa.
- Prince Albert (February 28, 1869 – April 27, 1931); he later became the head of the House of Oldenburg. He never married but had a daughter.
- Princess Helena Victoria (May 3, 1870 – March 13, 1948); she never married.
- Princess Marie Louise (August 12, 1872 – December 8, 1956); she married Prince Aribert of Anhalt in 1891. Their marriage was later ended in 1900.
- Prince Harald (May 12, 1876 – May 20, 1876); he died very young.
- An unnamed son who was stillborn (born and died May 7, 1877).
Important Roles and Military Service
Prince Christian held several important positions in the United Kingdom. He was made a major general in the British Army in July 1866. He was promoted to lieutenant general in August 1874 and then to general in October 1877.
From 1869 until his death, he was an honorary colonel of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment. However, he did not lead large military groups or hold major staff jobs.
He was also the High Steward of Windsor and the Ranger of Windsor Great Park. The University of Oxford awarded him a special degree called a Doctor of Civil Law.
On July 7, 1902, he was given the freedom of the city of Carlisle. This happened during a visit to the city for a Royal Agricultural Society event. As a member of the royal family, he often attended many public events. For example, he and Princess Helena attended a speech day at Malvern College in 1870.
Death and Burial
Prince Christian passed away at Schomberg House in Pall Mall, London, in October 1917. He was 86 years old.
He was first buried in the Royal Vault at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Later, on October 23, 1928, his remains were moved and buried in the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore in Windsor Great Park.
Images for kids
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Exchange Buildings (1864–67; demolished 1939).jpg
A civic ball held in the Exchange Buildings in Liverpool to honor Prince Arthur, and Prince and Princess Christian.
