Landgrave Frederick William of Hesse-Cassel
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Friedrich Wilhelm Georg Adolf, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel (26 November 1820 - 14 October 1884) was the only son of Wilhelm I, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel-Rumpenheim and Princess Louise Charlotte of Denmark.
He is important dynastically as a candidate for both the headship of the Hesse-Kassel dynasty (through his father) and for the Danish throne (through his mother).
[edit] Early life
He was born in Copenhagen, moved to Denmark at the age of three, and grew up there. He attended the university in Bonn, and then began a military career.
[edit] Family life
His first wife was Alexandra Nikolaevna of Russia (1825-1844), the daughter of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia. They had one son, born three months prematurely, who died shortly after his birth:
- Prince Wilhelm (1844-1844)
His second wife was Princess Maria Anna Friederike of Prussia (1836-1918). They had six children:
- Prince Frederick William II of Hesse (1854-1888); never married; died at sea on a voyage from Batavia to Singapore.
- Princess Elisabeth Alexandra Charlotte of Hesse (1861-1955); married Prince Leopold Friedrich of Anhalt and had issue.
- Prince Alexander Frederick of Hesse (1863-1945); married Baroness Gisela Stockhorner von Starheim.
- Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse, King of Finland (1868-1940); married Princess Margaret of Prussia and had issue.
- Princess Marie-Polyxene of Hesse (1872-1882); died at age 10; never married.
- Princess Sybille Marguerite of Hesse (1877-1925); married Baron Friedrich von Vincke (divorced 1923).
