Queen Adelaide

1792-1849

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen was the queen consort of King William IV (reigned 1830-37). Her marriage to William and subsequent rise to the throne was, in a way, a result of William's gambling. It came about this way; when the Prince Regent's only daughter, Charlotte, died in childbirth in 1817, there was no obvious line of succession to the throne. Parliament was desparate to secure the succession should anything happen to 'Prinny'. They told William they would guarantee his gambling debts should he marry and prodiuce an heir. He agreed, and cast about for a suitable match.

The result was a marriage between William and the German princess Adelaide, daughter of George, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen and Louisa Eleanora of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, on 3th July, 1818. Adelaide took the title Duchess of Clarence. The mariage went well enough, but the tale of the couple's attempts to produce an heir to the throne was a tragic story. Adelaide miscarried twice, another child died after a day, and a fourth died age only 3 months.

Adelaide became queen consort when William became king in 1830. They never did produced the hoped-for heir, and when William died in 1837 the throne went to his niece, Victoria. Adelaide survived her husband by a dozen years, and died at Bentley Priory, Middlesex, on 2 December, 1849.

Time period(s): Victorian Georgian

Tags: William IV   Queen Victoria  

Latest History articles

Llewelyn ap Gruffudd
Dafydd ap Gruffudd
Commote
Cantref
Brut y Tywysogyon




English Heritage

English Heritage membership

English Heritage membership

Free entry to English Heritage properties throughout England, plus discounted admission to Historic Scotland and Cadw properties in Scotland and Wales.

Membership details

About English Heritage


HISTORY CORNER
Name the mystery historic attraction
See larger image



A 'pocket borough' was also known as what?



24 March, 1603

Death of Elizabeth I

Elizabeth's death at Richmond Palace led to the succession of James VI of Scotland as James I of England

This queen was buried in three places; her entrails at Lincoln Cathedral, her heart at Blackfriars in London, and her body at Westminster Abbey



Passionate about British Heritage!