Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen was born on 13 August 1792 at Meiningen, Thuringia, Germany, as the eldest child of Georg I, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen and Luise Eleonore, daughter of Christian Albrecht, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. She was baptised at the castle chapel on 19 August and was titled Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, Duchess in Saxony with the style Serene Highness. She grew up in a small and liberal state that permitted a free press and criticism of the ruler. She received a good education and learned to speak French, English and Italian. She also developed an interest in music and art. In 1818, she married William, Duke of Clarence, who was the third son of King George III and the heir presumptive to the British throne after his two elder brothers. The marriage was arranged to secure a suitable consort for William and to provide an heir to the crown. Adelaide accepted the proposal despite the large age difference between them (she was 25 and he was 53). They had a simple wedding ceremony at Kew Palace on 11 July 1818. ¹ Adelaide and William had a happy marriage, despite his previous illegitimate children by his mistress. They lived modestly at Bushy House and later at Clarence House. They had two daughters, Charlotte and Elizabeth, who both died in infancy. Adelaide suffered several miscarriages and stillbirths, which caused her much grief. She also had to endure the public scrutiny and sympathy for her failure to produce a living heir. ¹ In 1830, William became King William IV and Adelaide became Queen Adelaide. She supported her husband in his political and constitutional reforms, such as the Reform Act 1832 that expanded the franchise and abolished rotten boroughs. She also used her influence to promote social welfare and religious tolerance. She was popular among the people for her simplicity, generosity and piety. She patronised many charities, especially those related to women and children. She also founded several institutions, such as the Adelaide Hospital in Dublin and the Queen's College for Women in London. ¹ Adelaide was widowed in 1837, when William died after a short illness. She was succeeded as queen by her niece, Victoria, who was the daughter of William's younger brother, Edward. Adelaide remained close to Victoria and acted as her mentor and adviser. She also maintained good relations with Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, who shared her German background and culture. ¹ Adelaide spent her last years in retirement at various residences, such as Marlborough House, Bushey Park and Bentley Priory. She continued her charitable works and supported several causes, such as the abolition of slavery and the education of the poor. She also travelled extensively within Britain and abroad, visiting her relatives and friends in Germany, Malta and France. ¹ Adelaide died on 2 December 1849 at Bentley Priory, Middlesex, England, at the age of 57. She had been suffering from chronic rheumatism and dropsy for some time. She was buried on 13 December 1849 at the Royal Vault, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, next to her husband and her two daughters. She was mourned by the nation and by her family, especially by Victoria, who wrote in her journal: "She was a very dear, kind friend to me, and I shall ever gratefully remember her affectionate interest in me and mine." ¹