Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Alfred (Alfred Ernest Albert; 6 August 1844 – 30 July 1900) was Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 1893 until his death in 1900. He was the second son and fourth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was also Duke of Edinburgh from 1866 until 1893.[1]
| Alfred | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke of Edinburgh | |||||
 Prince Alfred in 1881 | |||||
| Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | |||||
| Reign | 22 August 1893 – 30 July 1900 | ||||
| Predecessor | Ernest II | ||||
| Successor | Charles Edward | ||||
| Born | 6 August 1844 Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England | ||||
| Died | 30 July 1900 (aged 55) Schloss Rosenau, Coburg, Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, German Empire | ||||
| Burial | 4 August 1900 | ||||
| Spouse | |||||
| Issue | |||||
| |||||
| House | Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | ||||
| Father | Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | ||||
| Mother | Queen Victoria | ||||
| Signature |  | ||||
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom | ||||
| Service/branch |  Royal Navy | ||||
| Rank | Admiral of the Fleet | ||||
| Commands held |
| ||||
Biography
changeEarly life
changeAlfred Ernest Albert was born on August 6, 1844, in Windsor, England, the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. His early life was marked by the influence of his parents, who emphasized education and the arts. Growing up in a royal household, Alfred was taught various cultures and languages, which shaped his later interests.
Education
changeAlfred received a comprehensive education at home, benefiting from private tutors who instructed him in a wide array of subjects, including science, literature, and languages. He was particularly interested in engineering and the military, which influenced his future career path.
Career
changeAlfred joined the Royal Navy in 1858, advancing quickly through the ranks. He served in various capacities, including on the HMS Majestic and the HMS Duke of Wellington. His naval career included a notable stint in the Mediterranean and participation in the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882.[2]
Marriage
changeOn July 24, 1874, Alfred married the Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, the daughter of Emperor Alexander II. Their marriage was both a personal and political union, strengthening ties between the British and Russian royal families. The couple settled in the United Kingdom, where they became prominent figures in royal circles.
Children
changeAlfred and Maria had five children:
1. Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
2. Marie, who married Prince Ferdinand of Romania
3. Victoria, who married Prince Louis of Battenberg
4. Alexandra, who married Prince Ernst II of Hohenlohe-Langenbug
5. Beatrice, who married Duke Infante Alfonso of Galliera
Role as Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg
changeIn 1893, Alfred became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, following the death of his parental uncle, Ernest II. As Duke, he worked to modernize the duchy, focusing on economic development and infrastructure improvements. He also supported cultural initiatives, including the arts and education.[3]
Death
changeAlfred passed away on July 30, 1900, at the age of 55, in Coburg, Germany. He was later interred in the family vault at the cemetery in Coburg.[4]
References
change- ↑ "No. 20382". The London Gazette. 10 September 1844. p. 3149.
- ↑ Harley, Simon. "Alfred Ernest Albert, Third Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha". The Dreadnought Project. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
- ↑ "Progress of His Royal Highness, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, through the Cape Colony, British Kaffraria, the Orange Free State, and Port Natal in the year 1860"
- ↑ Heathcote, p. 9.