Marriage of Léopold of Saxe-Coburg and Princess Charlotte of Wales.

Leopold I: The First King of the Belgians

Born Prince Leopold George Christian Frederick of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld on 16 December 1790, Leopold I would ultimately become the inaugural King of the Belgians, a pivotal figure in European history who reigned from 21 July 1831 until his death on 10 December 1865. His life was a remarkable journey across royal courts and battlefields, marked by both personal tragedy and significant political influence, laying the foundations for a new European nation.

Early Life and Military Service

As the youngest son of Duke Francis of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Leopold's early life was shaped by the tumultuous era of the Napoleonic Wars. When French troops overran Saxe-Coburg, his homeland, it ignited a strong anti-Napoleonic sentiment within him. Opting for a military career, he took a commission in the Imperial Russian Army, distinguishing himself in campaigns against Napoleon's forces. This early experience not only provided him with military acumen but also forged valuable diplomatic connections that would prove instrumental later in his life.

A Glimmer of Hope: Marriage to Princess Charlotte of Wales

After Napoleon's definitive defeat and the subsequent reshaping of Europe, Leopold relocated to the United Kingdom. Here, he entered into what was considered a highly advantageous marriage in 1816 with Princess Charlotte of Wales. Charlotte was a figure of immense national hope and expectation, second in line to the British throne and the only legitimate child of the Prince Regent, who would later ascend as King George IV. Their union was seen as a future cornerstone of the British monarchy, and by all accounts, it was a genuinely happy marriage.

Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales: A Life Cut Short

Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales, born on 7 January 1796, carried the weight of the future British monarchy on her young shoulders. Her parents, George, Prince of Wales, and Caroline of Brunswick, famously despised each other from before their arranged marriage, leading to a swift and public separation. Charlotte's upbringing was largely entrusted to governesses and servants, with only limited, often strained, contact with her mother, who eventually left the country. As she matured, her father attempted to orchestrate a marriage to William, Hereditary Prince of Orange (who would later become King of the Netherlands). However, Charlotte, demonstrating a strong independent spirit, initially accepted but then broke off the engagement, leading to a protracted struggle of wills with her father. Eventually, she prevailed, securing permission to marry Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, a choice that proved to be genuinely based on affection and mutual respect.

Tragically, after only a year and a half of what was widely regarded as a blissful marriage, Charlotte died on 6 November 1817, at the tender age of 21, following the delivery of a stillborn son. Her death plunged Britain into profound national mourning. The public had viewed Charlotte as a beacon of hope, a stark and refreshing contrast to her deeply unpopular father and her mentally ill grandfather, King George III. She had been the King's only legitimate grandchild, and her untimely demise created a significant succession crisis, raising the specter that the throne might pass to a distant relative. This crisis prompted King George III's numerous aging and unmarried sons to actively seek wives to secure the line of succession. It was his fourth son, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, who would eventually father Queen Victoria, thereby resolving the immediate succession fears and ensuring the continuity of the direct royal line.

Leopold's Path to the Belgian Throne

Despite the immense personal sorrow and the shattering of his prospects as consort to a future British monarch, Leopold continued to maintain a respected and considerable status within Britain. His diplomatic skills and connections with various European royal houses remained invaluable. In 1830, following the successful Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), Leopold was offered the newly established throne of Greece under the London Protocol. However, displaying a shrewd understanding of geopolitics and stability, he ultimately declined the offer, perceiving the nascent Greek state and its surrounding political landscape as too precarious and unstable for a fledgling monarchy.

Instead, a more stable and strategic opportunity arose in 1831 when he accepted the throne of Belgium. Belgium had declared its independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830, a significant shift in the European order established by the 1815 Congress of Vienna. The provisional Belgian government actively sought a monarch, and Leopold emerged as the ideal candidate. His extensive diplomatic connections across Europe’s royal families were a major asset. Crucially, as a British-backed candidate, he was not directly affiliated with other powerful nations, particularly France, which harbored historical territorial ambitions in Belgium. His selection was seen as a vital move to prevent any single power from dominating the newly independent state, thereby preserving the delicate European balance of power and averting potential conflict.

The Reign of the First King of the Belgians

Leopold I took his oath as King of the Belgians on 21 July 1831, an event that is celebrated annually as Belgian National Day, a testament to its foundational importance. His reign was initially fraught with challenges, most notably persistent attempts by the Dutch to recapture Belgium, which gradually subsided over time. Internally, his rule was marked by a delicate political balance between the emerging liberal and conservative Catholic factions, a dichotomy that would shape Belgian politics for decades.

As a Protestant monarch in a predominantly Catholic nation, Leopold was often perceived as aligned with liberal ideals. He actively championed economic modernisation, playing a pivotal role in encouraging and overseeing the construction of Belgium's first railway line in 1835, connecting Brussels to Mechelen. This visionary project was a catalyst for the nation's rapid industrialisation, transforming Belgium into one of Europe's leading industrial powers. Through the astute interpretation of the ambiguities within the newly drafted Belgian Constitution, Leopold was able to subtly expand the monarch's powers, ensuring a strong and stable executive during the early, formative years of the nation. He also demonstrated significant diplomatic skill in preventing the revolutionary fervor of 1848, which swept across much of Europe, from destabilizing Belgium. King Leopold I passed away in 1865, leaving behind a consolidated and prosperous nation, and was succeeded by his son, Leopold II.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leopold I and Princess Charlotte

Who was Leopold I?
Leopold I was the first King of the Belgians, reigning from 1831 to 1865. Born a German prince from Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, he had a distinguished military career, notably fighting against Napoleon, and became a central figure in European diplomacy before accepting the Belgian throne.
Why was Leopold I chosen as King of the Belgians?
He was selected primarily due to his extensive diplomatic connections with royal houses across Europe and his status as a British-backed candidate. This ensured he was seen as a neutral figure, not aligned with powers like France that had potential territorial ambitions in Belgium, thus helping to maintain the European balance of power after Belgium's independence.
What was the significance of Princess Charlotte of Wales?
Princess Charlotte was the only legitimate child of the Prince Regent (later King George IV) and was second in line to the British throne. She was a figure of immense hope and popularity among the British public, who saw her as the future of the monarchy.
How did Princess Charlotte's death impact the British succession?
Her death in 1817, after giving birth to a stillborn son, created a significant succession crisis. As King George III's only legitimate grandchild, her demise meant the direct line of succession was at risk. This prompted the King's unmarried sons to hastily seek wives, ultimately leading to the birth of Princess Victoria (future Queen Victoria), daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
What were some key achievements of Leopold I's reign as King of the Belgians?
Leopold I is credited with stabilizing the new Belgian state, fending off early Dutch attempts at reconquest, and skillfully navigating internal political divisions. He also played a crucial role in encouraging economic modernization and industrialization, notably promoting the creation of Belgium's first railway in 1835, and effectively prevented the spread of the 1848 revolutions into Belgium.
When is Belgian National Day?
Belgian National Day is celebrated annually on 21 July, commemorating the day King Leopold I took his constitutional oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.