The last king of Hanover, who ruled from 1837 to 1851 and was a member of the British royal family, is most known for his opposition to the unification of Germany and his subsequent exile. He played a significant role in European politics during the 19th century.
Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover, ascended to the throne in 1837, marking the end of the personal union between Britain and Hanover that had begun in 1714. As the King of Hanover, he ruled for 14 years, leaving a lasting impact on the German kingdom.
Born on June 5, 1771, in London, Ernest Augustus was the fifth son of George III of the United Kingdom and Hanover. Initially, it seemed unlikely that he would become a monarch, with four elder brothers ahead of him in the line of succession. However, fate had other plans, and Ernest was sent to Hanover in his adolescence to receive his education and military training.
Serving with Hanoverian forces near Tournai against Revolutionary France, Ernest received a disfiguring facial wound, which would leave a lasting scar. This tragic event, however, did not deter him from pursuing his military career. In 1799, he was created Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale.
In 1815, Ernest married his twicewidowed niece, Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, despite his mother, Queen Charlotte's, disapproval. The marriage proved to be a happy one, and they had one son, George. Ernest's niece, Victoria, later became the British queen, while his own son, George, would eventually succeed him as King of Hanover.
An active member of the House of Lords, Ernest maintained an extremely conservative record. However, his political foes spread allegations that he had murdered his valet, had fathered a son by his sister Sophia, and intended to take the British throne by murdering Victoria. These claims, though unsubstantiated, tarnished his reputation.
Following the death of William IV, Ernest became Hanover's first resident ruler since George I. During his 14-year reign, he faced controversy, particularly near the start of his reign. Despite this, he implemented several reforms and modernizations, earning him a mixed but largely positive assessment from historians.
Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover, played a significant role in shaping the history of the German kingdom. His reign marked the end of the personal union between Britain and Hanover, paving the way for a new era of German politics. While controversy surrounded his life and reign, Ernest left a lasting legacy as a capable and influential monarch.
Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover, remains an intriguing figure in European history, marked by his unexpected rise to the throne and his controversial reign. Despite the allegations and scandals that surrounded him, he left a lasting impact on the kingdom of Hanover, shaping its future and cementing his place in the annals of history.
Born in 1865
The second monarch of the House of Windsor, reigning from 1910 to 1936, known for leading the British Empire through World War I and modernizing the monarchy.
Born in 1487
A German nobleman who ruled Nassau-Siegen and played a key role in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, known for his military campaigns and strategic alliances.
Born in 1484
A German nobleman who ruled Brandenburg-Ansbach from 1486 to 1515, known for his military campaigns and territorial expansions. He played a significant role in shaping the region's history.
Born in 1865
The second monarch of the House of Windsor, reigning from 1910 to 1936, known for leading the British Empire through World War I and modernizing the monarchy.
