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The death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 sparked global mourning and renewed fascination with royal lineages. But have you ever wondered what happened to the many other German monarchs after the fall of the empire? Before World War I, Germany wasn't ruled by a single monarch, but a complex web of kings, grand dukes, and dukes. What became of these families? Who would claim these titles today? Let's delve into the fascinating, sometimes scandalous, history of Germany's lost monarchies.
The Grand Duchies: A Legacy of Intrigue and Unexpected Turns
Hesse: From Russian Empresses to Tragic Plane Crashes
The Grand Duchy of Hesse, with its connections to the Russian throne and the British royal family, offers a glimpse into the intertwined fates of European nobility. Did you know that the last Grand Duke's designated heir, George Donatus, perished in a plane crash alongside his wife Cecily, the older sister of Prince Philip? This tragedy paved the way for Prince Philip himself to become the heir to both Hessian monarchies, adding another layer to his already fascinating family history.
Baden: Securing the Lineage and Ties to the House of Windsor
The Grand Duchy of Baden faced a succession crisis when it became clear that legitimate heirs were scarce. The solution? Legitimizing a morganatic line, a practice not uncommon in European history. This line eventually led to Maximilian, a first cousin of King Charles III, further solidifying the connections between European royal houses.
Oldenburg: A Family Tree Spanning Kingdoms
The House of Oldenburg boasts a surprisingly vast reach, with ties to the current monarchs of Denmark, Norway, and even the United Kingdom. Yes, you read that right! King Charles III, through his father Prince Philip, is a descendant of this influential house. While the current heir to the Duchy of Oldenburg, Christian, is distantly related to King Charles, their shared ancestry highlights the enduring legacy of this often-overlooked royal house.
Mecklenburg: From Suicide to Nazi Collaboration
The story of Mecklenburg takes a darker turn with the tragic suicide of Mecklenburg-Strelitz's last Grand Duke, Adolf Friedrich VI, during World War I. Meanwhile, the Mecklenburg-Schwerin branch saw Friedrich Franz, son of the last Grand Duke, become a dedicated Nazi, serving in the SS and as an aide to the notorious Gestapo leader. These contrasting fates illustrate the tumultuous period these families faced during the 20th century.
**Sax-Weimar-Eisenach: A
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