Paul Frederick, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Paul Friedrich (15 September 1800 – 7 March 1842) ruled as Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from 1837 to 1842.

Biography

He was born in Ludwigslust the son of Friedrich Ludwig, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of Russia.^[1] Paul Friedrich was educated at Geneva, Jena and Rostock. Paul Friedrich became heir apparent to the throne of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1819 upon the death of his father.

On 1 February 1837 he succeeded his grandfather Friedrich Franz I of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. His reign saw improvements in the infrastructure and judicial system of the grand duchy as well as a change in the government's seat of residence from Ludwigslust to Schwerin. Nonetheless, Paul Friedrich was largely interested only in military matters and spent most of his time drilling his troops. As he reached middle age, he adopted a more reclusive lifestyle, preferring only the company of his mistress. Paul Friedrich died in 1842 of a cold caught while rushing to a fire in his capital city.

Marriage and children

Paul Friedrich married Princess Alexandrine of Prussia in Berlin on 25 May 1822. They had two sons and four daughters:^[1]

• Friedrich Franz II (1823–1883)
• Luise (1824–1859) married Hugo, Prince of Windisch-Grätz
• Wilhelm (1827–1879) married Princess Alexandrine of Prussia daughter of Prince Albert of Prussia
• Helene (1829–1836)
• Marie Alexandrine (1831–1836)
• Pauline (1833–1894) died unmarried

Paul Friedrich also had issue with his mistress, Countess Catarina van Hauke, daughter of Johann Mauritz Hauke:

• Catarina (1830–1834)
• Paul Friedrich (1832–1903) married Countess Maria Anna van Nieppell, had issue
• Alexander (1833)
• Helene Catarina (1835–1915) died unmarried

Ancestors

References

External links

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