Duchess Louise Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Their common ancestor was Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1676–1732). The marriage was arranged against her will and became unhappy: her spouse abused her and she wished to leave him, but was forced by her family to stay. She was described as very blond, not attractive, somewhat hunchbacked but also as witty, talented, cultivated and with a pleasant manner, though more open than what was regarded as an ideal for the period. Louise Charlotte died four years later in childbirth at the age of 22, before Augustus assumed the throne of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. They had only one daughter: Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, who would marry Ernst I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and become mother to Prince Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria. Read Less