Princess Frederica Charlotte of Prussia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frederica Charlotte of Prussia |
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| Duchess of York and Albany | |||||
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| Born | 7 May 1767 Charlottenburg, Germany |
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| Died | 6 August 1820 (aged 53) Oatlands Park, Surrey, England |
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| Burial | 13 August 1820 St James's Church, Weybridge |
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| House | Hohenzollern | ||||
| Father | Frederick William II of Prussia | ||||
| Mother | Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Lüneburg | ||||
Princess Frederica Charlotte of Prussia (born May 7, 1767 – died August 6, 1820) was a princess from Prussia. She became a British princess when she married. She was the oldest daughter of King Frederick William II of Prussia. She married Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, who was the second son of King George III of the United Kingdom.
Early Life in Prussia
Frederica Charlotte was born in Charlottenburg, Germany, on May 7, 1767. She was the first child of the future King Frederick William II of Prussia. She was the only child of his first wife, Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Lüneburg.
When Frederica was born, her great-uncle, Frederick the Great, was the King of Prussia. Her father was the king's nephew and was expected to become king next. Her mother was also the king's niece.
Her parents' marriage was not happy. When Frederica was two years old, her mother's marriage ended. Her mother was then sent to live in a castle in Stettin. Frederica never saw her mother again after this.
King Frederick the Great felt bad for young Frederica. He asked his own wife, Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern, to take care of Frederica. Queen Elisabeth Christine had no children of her own. Frederica had a happy childhood living with the Queen. The Queen loved her very much. Frederica and the Queen stayed in touch throughout Frederica's life.
Marriage to a British Prince
On September 29, 1791, Frederica married Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. This wedding took place at Charlottenburg Palace in Germany. Prince Frederick was the second son of the British King George III.
They had a second wedding ceremony in England on November 23 at Buckingham House. The people of London welcomed the new Duchess of York with great excitement.
This marriage was planned to help provide future heirs for the British throne. King George III wanted his son to marry Frederica. He had read a letter from her that showed her kind and loving nature. This letter made him want her to marry his son.
Frederica's new mother-in-law, Queen Charlotte, was also very welcoming. Frederica wrote home to her foster mother that she was treated very well. She felt very welcome in England. She even enjoyed watching political speeches in the House of Commons.
However, Frederica and Frederick's marriage was not a happy one. After three years, it became clear they would not have children. Frederica and Frederick decided to live separately. The Duchess moved to Oatlands Park in Weybridge, England.
Even though they lived apart, their relationship remained friendly. There was no talk of them getting back together. People described Frederica as smart and well-informed. She liked being social and did not like formal rules. She was very well-liked by those around her.
Frederica loved animals very much. She kept many dogs and was very fond of monkeys. Her father-in-law, King George III, once said, "Affection must rest on something, and where there are no children, animals are the object." When she passed away, her husband was very sad. He made sure her wishes in her will were carried out.
Later Life and Death
Frederica Charlotte passed away on August 6, 1820. She died at Oatlands Park in Weybridge, Surrey, England. The people of Weybridge built a monument to remember her. This monument stands on Monument Green in Weybridge.
