Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (b. 1878)

Princess Alexandra Louise Olga Victoria of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, born on 1 September 1878 and passing away on 16 April 1942, held a remarkably distinguished lineage at the heart of European royalty. She was the fourth child and third daughter born to Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia. Her life saw her transition from a German princess to a Princess consort, a role she assumed upon her marriage to Ernst II, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

Alexandra's familial connections were truly exceptional, making her a direct granddaughter to two of Europe's most influential monarchs: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Tsar Alexander II of Russia. This unique heritage meant she was deeply embedded in the intricate network of royal houses that defined 19th and early 20th-century Europe, connecting the British Empire, the Russian Empire, and the various German principalities.

Early Life and Illustrious Lineage

Born into an era where monarchies played a pivotal role in international relations, Princess Alexandra's birth was a significant event. Her father, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, was the second son of Queen Victoria, making him a central figure in the British Royal Family before he inherited the Ducal throne of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1893. Her mother, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, was the only surviving daughter of Emperor Alexander II of Russia, placing Alexandra firmly within the Imperial House of Romanov. This union between Prince Alfred and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna in 1874 was a grand affair, marking one of the rare intermarriages between the British and Russian imperial families and reflecting the complex political alliances of the time.

Growing up, Alexandra would have been keenly aware of her dual heritage. She spent her early years primarily in England and Malta, where her father served with the Royal Navy, before the family eventually moved to Coburg upon her father's accession to the ducal throne. Her life was shaped by the expectations and traditions of both her British and Russian backgrounds, providing her with a unique perspective on the world stage.

Marriage and Role as Princess Consort

On 20 April 1896, Princess Alexandra married Ernst II, Hereditary Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, in Coburg. This marriage further solidified her position within the German aristocracy. Ernst was the eldest son of Hermann, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, and Princess Leopoldine of Baden. Upon her husband's accession to the headship of the house in 1913, Alexandra became the Princess consort of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. The House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, though a mediatized principality by this time (meaning it had lost its immediate sovereignty within the German Empire but retained its princely status and extensive lands), remained a prominent and respected noble family. As Princess consort, Alexandra would have played an important role in the social and ceremonial life of the principality, embodying its traditions and representing its interests.

A Double Royal Granddaughter

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Princess Alexandra's identity was her direct descent from two towering figures of European royalty. Her grandmother, Queen Victoria, presided over the vast British Empire, a symbol of stability and power. Her grandfather, Tsar Alexander II, known as "the Liberator" for his reforms including the emancipation of the serfs, ruled the immense Russian Empire. This unique 'double granddaughter' status made her a living bridge between Windsor and the Winter Palace, embodying the close, albeit often strained, familial ties that connected the ruling houses of Europe.

FAQs About Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Who were Princess Alexandra's parents?

Princess Alexandra's parents were Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (who was also Duke of Edinburgh), and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia.

What was her connection to Queen Victoria?

Princess Alexandra was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom through her father, Prince Alfred, who was Queen Victoria's second son.

What was her connection to the Russian Imperial Family?

She was also a granddaughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia through her mother, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, who was the Tsar's only surviving daughter.

Who was her husband?

Princess Alexandra was married to Ernst II, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

What does "Princess consort of Hohenlohe-Langenburg" mean?

As Princess consort, Alexandra was the wife of the ruling Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. While her husband held the sovereign title and responsibilities, she shared in his rank and played a significant role in the ceremonial and social duties associated with the princely house.

When did Princess Alexandra live?

Princess Alexandra Louise Olga Victoria of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was born on 1 September 1878 and passed away on 16 April 1942.