The last grand duke of Hesse and by Rhine, he ruled from 1892 to 1918 and was a patron of the arts, supporting artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Ludwig Kirchner. He's also known for his marriage to Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
Ernest Louis, Grand Duke of Hesse, was the last Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, reigning from 1892 until 1918. He was a member of the House of Hesse, a prestigious German royal house, and was known for his cultural and artistic pursuits, as well as his tumultuous personal life.
Ernest Louis was born on November 25, 1868, to Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, and Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. He was the elder son and had five siblings, including Princess Alexandra, who would marry Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, and Princess Victoria, who would be the mother of Queen Louise of Sweden and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Ernest Louis grew up in a loving household, where his parents demonstrated affection for their children, a rare quality in royal families of the time. Tragedy struck early in his life, however, when his younger brother, Prince Friedrich, died at the age of four after falling from a window. This event had a profound impact on Ernest Louis, who was only five years old at the time.
Ernest Louis ascended to the throne in 1892, following the death of his father. During his reign, he focused on promoting the arts and culture in Hesse, and was a patron of the Darmstadt Artists' Colony. He also supported the development of the city of Darmstadt, commissioning many architectural projects, including the construction of the State Theatre and the Grand Ducal Museum.
Ernest Louis was known for his liberal views and was a strong advocate for democracy and constitutional monarchy. He played an important role in the development of the German constitution and was a key figure in the country's political landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ernest Louis's personal life was marked by tragedy and loss. In 1878, an epidemic of diphtheria swept through Darmstadt, claiming the lives of his father and several siblings. His mother, Princess Alice, died of diphtheria in 1878, when Ernest Louis was just 10 years old.
Ernest Louis married Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh in 1894, but the marriage was unhappy and ended in divorce in 1901. He remarried in 1905 to Countess Eleonore of Solms-Hohensolms-Lich, with whom he had two sons.
During World War I, Ernest Louis fought on the German side and was stationed on the Western Front. After the war, he was forced to abdicate the throne in 1918, following the German Revolution. He died on October 9, 1937, at the age of 68.
Ernest Louis's legacy is marked by his cultural and artistic achievements, as well as his tragic personal life. He played an important role in promoting the arts in Hesse and was a patron of many notable artists and architects. Despite the challenges he faced, including the loss of his throne and the tragedies of his personal life, Ernest Louis remains an important figure in German history.
Born in 1831
The last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling for just 99 days, he's known for his liberal reforms and being the father of Wilhelm II, who led Germany into World War I.
Born in 1859
The last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918, known for his aggressive foreign policy and militarism that contributed to the outbreak of World War I. He was also known for his eccentric and impulsive behavior.
Born in 1868
The last emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 to 1917, known for his poor leadership and decisions that led to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of communism.
