20th Cent. Ballerina Alla Shelest

Alla Shelest was born on 29 February 1919, in Smolensk. From ca 1934, she was taught by Yelisaveta Gerdt. In 1937, Shelest graduated from the Leningrad Choreographic Academy. She then entered the Kirov Ballet. In 1956, Shelest appeared as Aegina in Jacobson's Spartacus.  In 1957, Alla Shelest was made the People's Artist of the Russian Federation. Alla Shelest was Zarema in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai and Nikiya in La Bayadère. Alla Shelest married Grigorovich. From 1967 to 1976, Shelest was the Ballet Mistress at Kuibishev. She then taught at the Leningrad Choreographic Academy and at the Conservatory. From 1970 to 1973, she was artistic director of the Kuibyshev Ballet. From 1977 to 1979, she was Ballet Mistress of the Kirov. Alla Shelest died on 7 December 1998, in St. Petersburg.

18-19th Cent. Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria, Duchess Consort of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla.

Maria Amalia of Austria with her younger sister, Maria Carolina of Austria

Detail by Martin van Meytens

1754

Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria was born on 26 February 1746, in Wien, Austria. She was the daughter and eight child of Maria Theresia, Holy Roman Empress (13 May 1717 - 29 November 1780) and Franz I Stephan, Holy Roman Emperor (8 December 1708 - 18 August 1765). Her maternal grandparents were Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Holy Roman Empress (28 August 1691 - 21 December 1750) and Karl VI, Holy Roman Emperor (1 October 1685 - 20 October 1740). Her paternal grandparents were Elisabeth Charlotte of Orléans, Duchess Consort of Lorraine and Bar (13 September 1676 - 23 December 1744) and Léopold Joseph, Duc de Lorraine and Bar. Maria Amalia's parents were married on 12 February 1736. Her siblings included: Archduchess Maria Elisabeth of Austria (5 February 1737 - 6 June 1740), Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria (6 October 1738 - 19 November 1789) Archduchess Maria Karolina of Austria (12 January 1740 - 25 January 1741), Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor (13 March 1741 - 20 February 1790), Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria (13 May 1742 - 24 June 1798), Archduchess Maria Elisabeth of Austria (13 August 1743 - 22 September 1808), Archduke Karl Joseph of Austria (1 February 1745 - 18 January 1761), Archduchess Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria (4 February 1750 - 23 December 1762), Archduchess Maria Josepha of Austria (19 March 1751 - 15 October 1767), Archduchess Maria Carolina of Austria (13 August 1752 - 7 September 1814), Archduke Ferdinand of Austria (1 June 1754 - 24 December 1806), Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria (2 November 1755 - 16 October 1793) and Archduke Maximilian Franz of Austria (8 December 1756 - 27 July 1801). Her brother, Archduke Joseph of Austria married Isabella Maria of Parma (1741-1763) on 16 October 1760, in Wien. Her sister, Maria Johanna died of smallpox on 23 December 1762, in Wien. She was interred at the Imperial Crypt, in Wien. Isabella of Parma died on 27 November 1763.

Maria Amalia of Austria as Apollo

Detail by Johann Georg Weikert

1765
Le Petit Trianon, Versailles

Maria Amalia of Austria as Apollo

Detail by Johann Georg Weikert

1765
Le Petit Trianon, Versailles

Joseph of Austria married his second wife, Princess Maria Josepha of Bavaria (1739-1767) in January 1765. Her father, Franz I died on 18 August 1765, in Innsbruck. He was interred in the Imperial Crypt, in Wien. Her sister-in-law, Maria Josepha of Bavaria died of smallpox on 28 May 1767. Her sister, Maria Josepha of Austria died on 15 October 1767, in Wien. She was interred at the Imperial Crypt, in Wien. Her sister, Maria Carolina of Austria married Ferdinand IV, King of Naples on 12 May 1768. Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria married Ferdinand I, Duke of Parma (20 January 1751 - 9 October 1802) on 19 July 1769, at the Château de Colorno. He was the son of Marie-Louise-Elisabeth of France (14 August 1727 - 6 December 1759) and Felipe of Spain (15 March 1720 - 18 July 1765). Her sister, Marie Antoinette married Louis Auguste, Dauphin de France (1754-1793) on 16 May 1770, in the Chapel of the Château de Versailles, in Versailles. Maria Amalia gave birth to a daughter, Princess Caroline of Parma on 22 November 1770.

The Children of Maria Amalia of Austria and Ferdinand I:

Princess Caroline of Parma (22 November 1770 - 1 March 1804) Married Prince Maximilian of Saxony.

Louis I, King of Etruria (5 August 1773 - 27 May 1803)

Princess Maria Antonia of Parma (28 November 1774 - 20 February 1841)

Princess Charlotte Maria of Parma (7 September 1777 - 5 April 1813)

Prince Philip Maria of Parma (22 May 1783 - 2 July 1786)

Princess Antoniette Louise of Parma (21 October 1784)

Princess Marie Louise of Parma (17 April 1787 - 22 November 1789)

Stillborn Daughter (21 May 1789 - 21 May 1789)

Stillborn Son (21 May 1789 - 21 May 1789)
 

Her brother, Ferdinand of Austria married Maria Beatrice of Modena (1750-1829) on 15 October 1771, in Milan. Her daughter, Princess Carolina of Parma married Prince Maximilian of Saxony (13 April 1759 - 3 January 1838) by proxy on 22 April 1792, in Parma, and in person on 9 May 1792, in Dresdenfifth. He was the son of Maria Antonia, Princess of Bavaria (18 July 1724 - 23 April 1780) and Frederick Christian, Elector of Saxony (5 September 1722 - 17 December 1763). During the French revolution, her brother-in-law, Louis XVI was executed on 21 January 1793, and then her sister, Marie Antoinette on 16 October 1793, in Paris, France. When Napoléon Bonaparte invaded Italy, Maria Amalia and her family left for Austria. Her husband, Ferdinand I died on 9 October 1802. Her daughter, Maria Antonia of Parma officially received the habit of an Ursuline nun and changed her name to Sister Luigia Maria on 22 April 1803. Maria Amalia of Austria died on 18 June 1804, in Prague.

19-20th Cent. Princess Pauline de Metternich

Pauline Clementine Marie Walburga was born on 25 February 1836, in Wien, Austria. She was the daughter of Princess Leontine von Metternich and Moritz Sándor. Her maternal grandparents were Countess Melanie Zichy-Ferraris and Klemens Wenzel, Prince von Metternich. Princess Pauline married Prince Richard von Metternich (7 January 1829 - 1 March 1895) in 1856. He was the son of Baroness Antoinette Leykam and Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich (15 May 1773 - 11 June 1859). In 1856, Richard von Metternich became Austria's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saxony. The couple moved to Dresden. They had three daughters. 

The Children of Pauline de Metternich and Richard von Metternich:

Sophie de Metternich (1857-1941)

Pascaline de Metternich (1862-1890 ) Married Count George of Waldstein.

Clementine de Metternich (1870-)

From 1859 to 1870, Richard von Metternich served as Ambassador of the Austrian Empire in Paris. In 1860, Princess Pauline de Metternich was painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873). Princess Pauline became a friend of Eugénie de Montijo, Empress Consort of the French (1826-1920). Princess Pauline was acquainted with many composers and writers, including Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, Charles Gounod, Camille Saint-Saëns and Alexandre Dumas. In 1865, she was painted by the artist Edgar Degas (1834-1917). According to Women of the second Empire: chronicles of the Court of Napoleon III, by Frédéric Loliée, "...a curious quarrel arose between Madame de Metternich and the Duchess de Persigny over a trivial detail in the mounting of a play. One of Watteau's pictures, "Le Dejeuner Champetre," had been selected for a tableau vivant at Compiegne. The Princess was arranging the costumes and parts. Every one seemed pleased except Madame de Persigny, wife of the Minister of the Interior, who was disappointed at not being allowed to dress her part as she wished; for instance, having fair hair of rare beauty, she was anxious to display it. "I want my hair to be seen," she kept repeating with a little lisp and an almost childish obstinacy. "But it is not possible," replied Madame de Metternich. "On the contrary, you must wear your hair rather high and powdered."
"No," objected Madame de Persigny, "we are only doing this to amuse ourselves, and it amuses me to wear my hair down."
"If you will not do what the others do, do not appear in the tableau at all." Finally she referred the question to the Empress. "Let her do as she likes," said the Empress; "it is a novelty, and perhaps it will prove a success."
" No, no, she will spoil it all."
"Really, my dear Princess, what does it matter to you? She will look pretty in any case. Do not quarrel about it; be obliging. You know, poor Madame de Persigny, her mother, is out of her mind."
"Oh, her mother is out of her mind, is she? Well, then, my father is mad too, and I will not give way." In ca 1865-1867, Princess Pauline was painted on the beach by Eugène-Louis Boudin (1824-1898). In 1870, she remained at the side of Empress Eugénie in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. Her husband, Richard von Metternich died on 1 March 1895. In January 1902, she hosted the Gold and Silver Ball. Princess Pauline de Metternich died aged 84, on 28 September 1921, in Wien, Austria.

Excerpts and Sources: The Days that are No More, Some Reminiscences by Princess Pauline de Metternich, My Days in Paris by Princess Pauline de Metternich and Women of the second Empire: Chronicles of the Court of Napoleon III by Frédéric Loliée.

16th Cent. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

Charles was born on 24 February 1500, in Ghent, Flanders. He was the son of Joanna of Castile (6 November 1479 - 12 April 1555) and Philip I of Castile. His maternal grandparents were Isabella I, Queen of Spain (22 April 1451 - 26 November 1504) and Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. His paternal grandparents were Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. Charles's parents were married in 1496, in Lier, north of Brussels. His siblings were: Eleanor (15 November 1498 - 25 February 1558), Isabella (18 July 1501 - 19 January 1526), Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor (10 March 1503 - 25 July 1564), Mary (18 September 1505 - 18 October 1558) and Catherine (14 January 1507 - 12 February 1578). He was brought up by his aunt, Margaret of Austria and his tutor, Adrian of Utrecht, in Flanders. His father, Philip I died of typhus fever on 25 September 1506, in Burgos. Charles inherited the Netherlands. His aunt, Margaret was his Regent until 1515. Charles spoke Dutch, German, Spanish, French, and Italian. According to Charles; "I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse." About Paris, he said; "Paris is not a city, but a universe." His grandfather, Ferdinand II died on 23 January 1516. His mother, Joanna inherited the Crown of Aragon. Charles became General Governador. In March 1516, Charles was proclaimed King of Castile and of Aragon jointly with his mother. In the autumn of 1517, Charles arrived in his new Kingdoms. In 1521, the first war with François I, King of France began. In 1521, he called Martin Luther to the Diet of Worms. Later in 1521, he outlawed Luther and his followers. In 1522, an inquisition was established. Charles had a daughter with his mistress, Johanna Maria van der Gheynst on 28 December 1522. Johanna Maria van der Gheynst was the daughter of Johanna van der Caye van Cocambi and Gilles Johann van der Gheynst.

The Child of Johanna Maria van der Gheynst and Charles V:

Margaret (28 December 1522 - 18 January 1586)

In 1525, he captured François I, King of France at the Battle of Pavia. In 1526, François I was forced to cede Burgundy to Charles in the Treaty of Madrid. After François I was released, he had the Parliament of Paris to denounce the treaty. Charles married Isabella of Portugal on 10 March 1526.

The Children of Isabella of Portugal and Charles V:
Felipe II of Spain (1527-1598)

Maria of Spain (1528-1603) Married Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor in 1548.

Ferdinand (1530-)

Joan of Spain (1535-1573) Married Infante John of Portugal.

Isabella of Spain (1536-1538)

John of Spain (1539-)

In 1530, Charles was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Clement VII in Bologna. In 1533, Charles acknowledged his daughter, Margaret. In 1536,  François I, King of France allied himself with Suleiman against Charles. In 1538, a truce at Nice ended the war. In 1542, the war resumed with  François I. In 1543, Charles allied himself with Henry VIII, King of England (1491-1547) and forced  François I to sign the Truce of Crepy-en-Laonnois. In 1545, the opening of the Council of Trent began the Counter-Reformation. In 1546, he outlawed the Schmalkaldic League. His daughter, Maria of Spain married Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor (31 July 1527 - 12 October 1576) in September 1548. His mother, Joanna died on Good Friday, 12 April 1555. She was entombed in the Capilla Real of Granada. Charles V abdicated in 1556, giving his Spanish Empire to his son, Felipe II of Spain. His brother, Ferdinand succeeded as Emperor. Charles V retired to the monastery of Yuste, in Extremadura. According to Charles V; "Fortune has something of the nature of a woman. If she is too intensely wooed, she commonly goes the further away." Charles V died from malaria aged 58, on 21 September 1558, in Yuste, Spain. He was interred in El Escorial. His remains were later transferred to the Royal Pantheon of The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in Spain.

"Iron hand in a velvet glove." Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

19th Cent. Sophie Charlotte of Bavaria, Duchess of Alençon.

Sophie of Bavaria

Sophie Charlotte Augustine was born 23 February 1847. She was the daughter of Marie Ludovika Wilhelmine, Princess of Bavaria (30 August 1808 - 25 January 1892) and Maximilian Joseph, Duke in Bavaria (4 December 1808 - 15 November 1888). Her maternal grandparents were Friederike Karoline Wilhelmine of Baden (13 July 1776 - 13 November 1841) and Maximilian I Josef, King of Bavaria (27 May 1756 - 13 October 1825). Elisabeth's parents were married on 9 September 1828, in Tegernsee. Her siblings were: Ludwig Wilhelm, Duke in Bavaria (21 June 1831 - 6 November 1920), Wilhelm Karl, Duke in Bavaria (24 December 1832 - 13 February 1833), Helene Caroline Therese, Duchess in Bavaria (4 April 1834 - 16 May 1890), Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie, Duchess in Bavaria (24 December 1837 - 10 September 1898), Karl Theodor (9 August 1839 - 30 November 1909), Maria Sophie Amalie, Duchess in Bavaria (4 October 1841 - 19 January 1925), Mathilde Ludovika, Duchess in Bavaria (30 September 1843 - 18 June 1925), Maximilian, Duke in Bavaria Stillborn (8 December 1845), and Maximilian Emanuel, Duke in Bavaria (7 December 1849 - 12 June 1893). Her sister, Elisabeth married Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria (18 August 1830 - 21 November 1916) on 24 April 1854, at the St. Augustine's Church, in Wien. Her sister, Maria Sophie married Francis of the Two Sicilies (16 January 1836 - 27 December 1894) on 3 February 1859, in Bari. Sophie Charlotte was engaged to Ludwig II, King of Bavaria on 22 January 1867. He was the son of Marie of Prussia, Queen Consort of Bavaria (15 October 1825 - 17 May 1889) and Maximilian II, King of Bavaria (28 November 1811 - 10 March 1864). The wedding was cancelled in October 1867. Sophie Charlotte married Ferdinand Philippe Marie, Duc d'Alençon (12 July 1844 - 29 June 1910) on 28 September 1868, at Possenhofen Castle, near Starnberg. He was the son of Louis Charles Philippe Raphael, Duc de Nemours. Sophie Charlotte and Ferdinand Philippe had two children.

The Children of Sophie Charlotte and Ferdinand Philippe:

Louise d'Orleans (1869-1952) Married Prince Alfons of Bavaria.

Philippe Emmanuel Maximilien Marie Eudes d'Orléans, Duc de Vendôme (18 January 1872 -1 February 1931) Married Princess Henriette of Belgium in 1896.

Once her fiancé, Ludwig II and Dr. von Gudden were found dead at 11:30 p.m. on 13 June 1886, in the water near Lake Starnberg. He was interred on 19 June 1886, in the crypt of St Michael's Church, in Munich. Her father, Maximilian Joseph died on 15 November 1888, in Munich. He was buried in the family crypt in Schloss Tegernsee. Her mother, Marie Ludovika Wilhelmine died on 25 January 1892, in Munich. She was buried with her husband in the family crypt in Schloss Tegernsee. Her son, Philippe Emmanuel married Princess Henriette of Belgium on 12 February 1896 in Brussels. She was the daughter of Princess Marie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1845-1912) and Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders (1837-1905). Sophie died in a fire aged 50, on 4 May 1897, at a charity bazaar, in Paris. Her husband, Ferdinand Philippe died on 29 June 1910. 

17-18th Cent. George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel was born on 23 February 1685, in Halle, in the Duchy of Magdeburg. He was the son of Dorothea and George Händel. His father was an eminent barber-surgeon who served as valet and barber to the Courts of Saxony and Brandenburg. George displayed considerable musical talent at an early age; by the age of seven he was a skilful performer on the harpsichord and pipe organ, and at nine he began to compose music. His father was opposed to his son's wish to pursue a musical career, preferring him to study law, but his mother, Dorothea, encouraged his musical aspirations. His early talents persuaded his father to let him study music as well as law, and he took lessons from the local organist, Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau the Liebfrauenkirche, Halle. He took lessons in musical composition and keyboard technique. For his seventh birthday his aunt, Anna, gave him a spinet, which was placed in the attic so that George could play it whenever he could get away from his father. In 1702, Handel began the study of law at the University of Halle. His father, died in 1703. George then abandoned law for music, becoming the organist at the Protestant Cathedral. In 1704, he moved to Hamburg, accepting a position as violinist and harpsichordist in the orchestra of the opera house. He met Johann Mattheson, Christoph Graupner and Reinhard Keiser. In 1705, he produced his first two operas, Almira and Nero. In 1708, he produced the operas, Daphne and Florindo. During 1706-1709, Handel travelled to Italy, at the invitation of Gian Gastone de' Medici. While opera was temporarily banned at this time by the Pope, Handel found work as a composer of sacred music. In 1707, he produced Dixit Dominus. In 1707, he also wrote Rodrigo in Florence. In 1709, he wrote Agrippina, in Venice. In 1709, he produced the oratorio La Resurrezione, in Rome. In 1710, Il Trionfo del Tempo, in Rome. In 1710, Handel became Kapellmeister to George, Elector of Hanover. During this first London visit, Handel was favorably received at Queen Anne's court. In 1711, Rinaldo, the first Italian opera specially composed for London, was performed at the Queen's Theatre in the Haymarket. In 1711, he returned briefly to Hanover. By 1712, Handel was back in London. He was invited to produce an English Court Ode for Queen Anne's birthday. The Queen granted Handel a pension of £200 a year for life. Handel spend the most carefree time of his life at Cannons and laid the cornerstone for his future choral compositions in the twelve Chandos Anthems. In 1723, Handel moved into a newly built house at 25 Brook Street, London. In 1726, Handel's opera Scipio was performed for the first time. In 1727, Handel was commissioned to write four anthems for the coronation ceremony of King George II. One of these was, Zadok the Priest. From 1720 to 1728, Handel was director of the Royal Academy of Music. From 1729 to 1734, he was a partner of J.J. Heidegger in the management of the King's Theatre. Handel also had a long association with the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, where many of his Italian operas were premiered. In April 1737, he suffered a stroke which left his right arm temporarily paralysed. He also complained of difficulties in focusing his sight. Handel went to Aix-la-Chapelle, taking hot baths and playing organ for the audience. During the autumn of 1739, the Concerti Grossi Op 6 were composed. In April 1740, the Concerti Grossi Op 6 was published. In 1740, Handel gave up operatic management, after he had lost a fortune in the business. He focused on composing oratorios instead of opera. During the summer of 1741, Handel received an invitation from the Lord Lieutenant in Dublin to compose a new sacred oratorio which would crown a series of performances of Alexanders Feast, Acis and Galatea, the Ode for St Cecilia's Day and L'Allegro, to be given at the New Music Hall, Fishamble Street, Dublin, in 1742. The commissioned work, on a biblical libretto devised by Jennens, was Messiah. His Messiah was first performed on 13 April 1742, in New Musick Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin. In 1749, he prepared Music for the Royal Fireworks to accompany the festivities at Green Park in celebration of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. It took place in April 1750, 12,000 people came to listen. In 1750, Handel arranged a performance of Messiah to benefit the Foundling Hospital. The performance was followed by annual concerts that continued throughout his life. In recognition of his patronage, Handel was made a governor of the Hospital. In August 1750, on a journey back from Germany to London, Handel was seriously injured in a carriage accident between The Hague and Haarlem, in the Netherlands. In 1751, the sight in his left eye failed him while composing Jephtha in the final Act II chorus, "How dark, 0 Lord, are thy decrees. All hid from mortal sight". In 1752, he was total blind. Handel still continued to perform organ concertos and voluntaries between the parts of his oratorios, so great were his memory and powers of improvisation. Handel collapsed on 11 April 1759, during a performance of Messiah. George Frideric Handel died on 14 April 1759, in London. He was interred in Westminster Abbey. George Frideric Handel is commemorated as a musician in the Calendar of Saints of the Lutheran Church on 28 July, with Johann Sebastian Bach and Heinrich Schütz.

"Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows." George Frideric Handel

18th Cent. George Washington

George Washington

George Washington was born on 22 February 1732, in Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the eldest son of Mary Ball Washington and Augustine Washington. His mother was his father's second wife. After George's birth, the family moved to an estate on Pope's Creek, along the Potomac River. He attended local schools. His father, Augustine Washington died in 1743. According to George Washington, "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." He then went to live with his half brother, Lawrence at Mount Vernon. In 1748, he secured an appointment to survey Lord Fairfax's lands in the Shenandoah Valley. In 1749, he helped lay out the Virginia town of Belhaven and was appointed county surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. George accompanied his brother to Barbados in an effort to cure Lawrence of tuberculosis. Soon after they returned, Lawrence died in 1752. In 1752, George inherited the family estate at Mount Vernon and embarked on a military career. By 1753, there were growing rivalry between the British and French over control of the Ohio Valley. In October 1753, he was dispatched by Gov. Robert Dinwiddie on a mission to warn the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf against further encroachment on territory claimed by Britain.

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

In April 1754, on his way to establish a post at the Forks of the Ohio, Washington learned that the French had already erected a fort there. Warned that the French were advancing, he quickly threw up fortifications at Great Meadows, naming the entrenchment Fort Necessity, and marched to intercept advancing French troops. Washington pulled his small force back into Fort Necessity where he was overwhelmed 3 July 1754 by the French. Later in 1754, he resigned his commission. In May 1755, Washington became an unpaid volunteer to the British general Edward Braddock. In 1755, he was promoted to colonel and appointed commander in chief of the Virginia militia. In 1758, he took an active part in Gen. John Forbes's campaign against Fort Duquesne.

"The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it."

In 1758, Washington left the army and returned to Mount Vernon. With the support of an circle of influential friends, he entered politics. From 1759 to 1774, he served in Virginia's House of Burgesses. George Washington met Martha Dandridge Custis (2 June 1731 - 22 May 1802) when he was on leave from the French and Indian War. She was a wealthy young widow with two small children who was living at the White House Plantation, in New Kent County, Virginia. George Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis were married on 6 January 1759, at The White House. The newlywed couple moved to Mount Vernon. Together they raised her two children, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, by her previous marriage to Daniel Parke Custis. George and Martha never had any children together. 

 "True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation."

In 1758, he was elected to the Virginia provincial legislature, the House of Burgesses. From 1760 to 1774, he served as a justice of Fairfax, and held court in Alexandria, Virginia. After 1769, Washington became a leader in Virginia's opposition to Great Britain's colonial policies. In 1775, the Congress appointed Washington commander in chief of the American forces, which were known as the Continental Army. 

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."

Early in March 1776, Washington occupied Dorchester Heights, effectively commanding the city and forcing the British to evacuate on 17 March 1776. He then moved to defend New York City against the combined land and sea forces of Sir William Howe. In June 1778, he attacked the British near Monmouth Courthouse, N.J., on their withdrawal from Philadelphia to New York. After the arrival of the French army in 1780, he concentrated on coordinating allied efforts. The Yorktown Campaign against Charles Cornwallis, secured the American victory on 19 October 1781.

"A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends."

After the war Washington returned to Mount Vernon. He became President of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of former Revolutionary War officers. In May 1787, Washington headed the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convension in Philadelphia and was unanimously elected presiding officer. George Washington was elected President in 1789. He took office on 30 April 1789, in New York City. He said; "I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." In 1789, he toured the New England states. In 1791, he toured South. In 1792, Washington was reelected President. In 1793, he was horrified by the excesses of the French Revolution.

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation. It is better be alone than in bad company."

In 1796, the Washington's Farewell Address was issued, a public letter by George Washington, with help from Hamilton. He wrote, "Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." George Washington refused to run for a third term. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Federalist John Adams. According to Washington; "Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." Washington was appointed on 13 July 1798, by President John Adams to be Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of all armies raised. Between 13 July 1798 and 14 December 1799, he served as the senior officer of the United States Army. According to George Washington; "We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience." And; "My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth." George Washington died aged 67, on 14 December 1799, at Mount Vernon. He was buried at Mount Vernon. As the first President of the United States and his role in the founding of the United States, George Washington is referred to as, Father of the Nation.

"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God. " George Washington

18-19th Cent. Catharina of Württemberg, Queen Consort of Westphalia.

Princess Catharina Frederica of Württemberg was born on 21 February 1783, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was the daughter of Augusta Caroline, Duchess of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (3 December 1764 - 27 September 1788) and Frederick I, King of Württemberg (6 November 1754 - 30 October 1816). Her maternal grandparents were Princess Augusta of Great Britain and Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick. Her paternal grandparents were Friederike Dorothee Sophie of Brandenburg-Schwedt (18 December 1736 - 9 March 1798) and Friedrich II Eugen, Duke of Württemberg (21 January 1732 - 23 December 1797). Catharina's parents were married on 15 October 1780, in Brunswick. Her siblings were: Prince Wilhelm of Württemberg (27 September 1781 - 25 June 1864), Princess Sophia Dorothea of Württemberg (1783-1784) and Prince Paul of Württemberg (19 January 1785 - 16 April 1852). Her mother, Augusta died on 27 September 1788, in Lodhe. Her father, Frederick I married his second wife, Charlotte, Princess Royal (29 September 1766 - 5 October 1828) in 1797. Catharina of Württemberg married Jérôme Bonaparte (15 November 1784 - 24 June 1860) on 22 August 1807, at the Château de Fontainebleau, in Fontainebleau, France. He was the son of Maria Letizia Ramolino (24 August 1750 - 2 February 1836) and Carlo Maria Buonaparte (29 March 1746 - 24 February 1785). This was Jérôme Bonaparte's second marriage. Catharina became Queen Consort of the Kingdom of Westphalia. 

The Children of Catharina of Württemberg and Jérôme Bonaparte:

Mathilde Laetitia Wilhelmine Bonaparte (27 May 1820 - 2 January 1904) Married 1st: Anatole Demidov in 1840. Married 2nd: Claudius Marcel Popelin.

Napoléon Joseph Charles Paul Bonaparte (9 September 1822 - 17 March 1891)

When the Kingdom was dissolved, Catharina of Württemberg and Jérôme Bonaparte went into exile. Her daughter, Mathilde Bonaparte became a hostess of a salon in Paris. Her son, Napoléon Joseph Bonaparte was a close adviser to his cousin, Napoléon III. Catharina of Württemberg died on 29 November 1835, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

19-20th Cent. Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife.

Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar was born on 20 February 1867, at Marlborough House, in London, England. She was the third child and the eldest daughter of Alexandra of Denmark, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and Empress Consort of India (1 December 1844 - 20 November 1925) and Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India (9 November 1841 - 6 May 1910). Her maternal grandparents were Louise of Hesse-Kassel, Queen Consort of Denmark (7 September 1817 - 29 September 1898) and Christian IX, King of Denmark (8 April 1818 - 29 January 1906). Her paternal grandparents were Queen Victoria ( 24 May 1819 - 22 January 1901) and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (26 August 1819 - 14 December 1861). Louise's parents were married on 10 March 1863, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. Her siblings were: Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale (8 January 1864 - 14 January 1892), King George V (3 June 1865 - 20 January 1936), Princess Victoria (6 July 1868 - 3 December 1935), Princess Maud (26 November 1869 - 20 November 1938) and Prince Alexander John (6 April 1871 - 7 April 1871). She was christened Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar on 10 May 1867, at Marlborough House, by Charles Longley, Archbishop of Canterbury. Princess Louise, Princess Maud and Princess Victoria received the Imperial Order of the Crown of India from Queen Victoria on 6 August 1887. Princess Louise married Alexander William George Duff (10 November 1849 - 12 January 1912) on Saturday 27 July 1889, at the Private Chapel, in Buckingham Palace, London. Queen Victoria created him Duke of Fife and Marquess of Macduff on 29 July 1889.

The Children of Louise and Alexander Duff:

Alastair Duff, Marquess of Macduff (stillborn 16 June 1890)
Alexandra Duff (17 May 1891 - 26 February 1959) Married Prince Arthur of Connaught.
Maud Duff (3 April 1893 - 14 December 1945) Married the 11th Earl of Southesk.
 

Her sister, Princess Maud married Prince Carl of Denmark on 22 July 1896, in the Private Chapel, at Buckingham Palace, London. King Edward VII declared Louise, the Princess Royal on 9 November 1905. When her brother-in-law, Carl was elected King of Norway as Haakon, Maud became Queen Consort of Norway. They were crowned on 22 June 1906, in Trondheim. Edward VII died at 11:45pm, on 6 May 1910. He was interred in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was succeeded by his son, as George V. Alexander Duff died in January 1912, in Assuan, Egypt. He was succeeded by their daughter, Alexandra as Duchess of Fife. In 1914, Louise became colonel-in-chief of the 7th Dragoon Guards. Her mother, Alexandra died on 20 November 1925, at Sandringham House, Norfolk. She was interred on 28 November 1925, at St.George's Chapel, Windsor. Louise died aged 63, on 4 January 1931, in Portman Square, London. She was interred in St. George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle. Her remains were later removed to the Private Chapel, at Mar Lodge Mausoleum, in Braemar, Aberdeenshire.

18-19th Cent. Eliza Courtney

 

Eliza Courtney was born on 20 February 1792, in Aix en Provence, France. She was the illegitimate daughter of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (7 June 1757 - 30 March 1806) and Charles, 2nd Earl Grey. Her maternal grandparents were Margaret Georgiana Poyntz and John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer. She was given the surname Courtney. Taken from her mother after birth, she was adopted by her paternal grandparents in Falloden, Northumberland. She grew up without knowing the truth about her parents. Eliza was thinking of Lady Georgiana as her godmother, and she believed her father, Charles Grey was as an older brother. Lady Georgiana died on 30 March 1806. She was buried at All Saints Church, in Derby, Derbyshire. After her death, Eliza was told about her true parentage.
 

Poems written by Lady Georgiana to her daughter, Eliza Courtney.

And yet remote from public view
A flower there is of timid hue,
Beneath a sacred shade it grows,
But sweet in native fragrance blows.
From storms secure, from tempests free,
But ah! too seldom seen by me.
For scarce permitted to behold
With longing eyes each grace unfold.
My bosom struggles with its pain
And checks the wishes form'd in vain ;
Yet when I perchance supremely blest,
I hold the floweret to my breast,
Enraptur'd watch its purple glow
And blessings (all I have) bestow.
The gentle fragrance soothes my care
And fervent is my humble prayer
That no dread evil may beset
My sweet but hidden violet.
December 1805

Unhappy child of indiscretion,
poor slumberer on a breast forlorn
pledge of reproof of past transgression
Dear tho' unfortunate to be born
For thee a suppliant wish addressing
To Heaven thy mother fain would dare
But conscious blushes stain the blessing
And sighs suppress my broken prayer
But in spite of these my mind unshaken
In present duty turns to thee
Tho' long repented ne'er forgotten
Thy days shall lov'd and guarded be
And should th'ungenerous world upbraid thee
for mine and for thy father's ill
A nameless mother oft shall assist thee
A hand unseen protect thee still
And tho' to rank and wealth a stranger
Thy life a humble course must run
Soon shalt thou learn to fly the danger
Which I too late have learnt to shun
Meanwhile in these sequested vallies
Here may'st thou live in safe content
For innocence may smile at malice
And thou-Oh !

Thou art innocent

Eliza Courtney married General Robert Ellice (1784-1856) on 10 December 1814, at Scarborough, in Yorkshire. He was the son of Mrs. and Mr. Alexander Ellice (1743-1805). The couple had five children.

The Children of Eliza Courtney and General Robert Ellice:

Georgiana Ellice (-12 October 1907)

Alexandra Ellice

Robert Ellice (1 January 1816 - 19 December 1858)

Eliza Ellice (1818 - 9 March 1899)
Sir Charles Henry Ellice (1823-1888)

Eliza Courtney died aged 67, on 2 May 1859, in Norwood, Surrey, England.

18-19th Cent. Luigi Boccherini

Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini was born on 19 February 1743, in Lucca, Italy. He was the son of Maria Santa Prosperi and Leopoldo Boccherini. His father, Leopoldo Boccherini was a cellist. At a young age, Luigi Boccherini was sent to study in Rome, where he became a cellist and began to compose. In 1757, he went to Wien with his father. They were employed by the Court as musicians in the Burgtheater. In 1761, Luigi Boccherini went to Madrid, where he was employed by Infante Luis Antonio of Spain, younger brother of Carlos III, King of Spain. One day the King expressed his disapproval at a passage in a new trio, and ordered Boccherini to change it. The composer doubled the passage instead, leading to his immediate dismissal. In 1765, Luigi Boccherini and Leopoldo Boccherini went to Milan. His father, Leopoldo Boccherini died in 1766. In 1767, Luigi Boccherini toured Italy with the violinist Filippo Manfredi, before they traveled to Paris. In Paris, Luigi Boccherini published a number of notable works, including a set of six string quartets. In 1769, Boccherini and Manfredi went to Spain. Luigi Boccherini married Clementina Pelicho in 1771. The couple had five children. Clementina died of a stroke in 1785. His Spanish patron, Archbishop Don Luis also died in 1785. Left without a position, Carlos III granted him a pension and assigned him various musical duties. In 1786, Boccherini was commissioned as Composer of Our Chamber by Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia. Luigi Boccherini married his second wife, Joaquina Porreti in 1787. In 1796, he entered into an arrangement with Ignaz Pleyel. Two of his daughters died from an epidemic in 1802. His wife, Joaquina Porreti and his only living daughter died in 1804. Luigi Boccherini died on 28 May 1805. He was buried in the Church of San Justo in Madrid. In 1927, he was reburied in the Basilica of San Francesco, in Lucca.

17th Cent. Marie Champmeslé

 

Marie Desmares was born 18 February 1642, in Rouen. She was the daughter of Mr. Desmares. She had a younger brother, Nicolas Desmares ( 1650-1714). Her father was a Royal tax collector. Her father died in 1652. Marie Desmares married Pierre Fleurye in 1657. He was an actor from Harfleur. Pierre Fleurye died in ca 1665. Marie Desmares then joined the travelling company of François Serdin, where she met Charles Chevillet, Sieur de Champmeslé. Marie Desmares and Charles Chevillet were married. By 1668, both were members of the Comédiens du Roi, performing at the Théâtre du Marais, in Paris. Madame La Champmeslé made her debut on 15 February 1669, in Abbé Boyer's, La fête de Vénus. In 1670, the couple joined the Hôtel de Bourgogne, another Parisian theatre. Jean Racine became her lover. In 1670, Marie Champmeslé appeared in Bérénice. In 1673, as Monime in Mithridate. In 1674, in Iphigénie. In 1677, Phèdre. Marie Champmeslé left the Hôtel for the Molière-Marais company. Marie Champmeslé opened the Comédie-Française on 26 August 1680. Her brother, Nicolas Desmares had his debut on stage in 1685, in Paris. Her niece, Christine Antoinette Charlotte Desmares (1682-1753) also became an actress. Marie Champmeslé died on 15 May 1698.

16th Cent. Mary I, Queen of England and Ireland. Queen Consort of Aragon, Castile and Naples.

Mary I, Queen of England and Ireland

 

Mary was born on 18 February 1516, at Greenwich Palace, in London, England. She was the daughter and only surviving child of Catherine of Aragon (16 December 1485 - 7 January 1536) and Henry VIII, King of England and Ireland (28 June 1491 - 28 January 1547). Her maternal grandparents were Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. Her paternal grandparents were Elizabeth of York, Queen Consort of England (11 February 1466 - 11 February 1503) and Henry VII, King of England (28 January 1457 - 21 April 1509). Her mother, Catherine was deeply devoted to Mary, and Henry VIII called her, "the greatest pearl in the kingdom." She received an excellent education, and was carefully sheltered. In 1522, Mary was betrothed to her cousin, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Charles V demanded that she come to Spain immediately with a dowry. Henry VIII ignored the request and Charles V made another match. In 1525, Henry VIII invested his daughter as Princess of Wales and she held court at Ludlow Castle. Mary was the first Princess of Wales, and the first female Royal to hold court at Ludlow. When King Henry VIII met Anne Boleyn (1502 - 19 May 1536), he first sought a quiet annulment of his marriage to Catherine, but the Pope refused to recognize Henry VIII's argument for an annulment or divorce. In 1534, Henry VIII broke with Rome and established the Church of England with himself as Supreme Head. The annulment was granted and his daughter declared illegitimate, called the Lady Mary. Catherine never recognized the divorce. She refused the title of Princess Dowager, offered by Henry VIII as recognition of her marriage to Arthur, Prince of Wales. Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in secret on 25 January 1533. Anne Boleyn gave birth to a daughter by Henry, Elizabeth (7 September 1533 - 24 March 1603) on 7 September 1533. When Mary was 18, she was sent to live in Princess Elizabeth's household. Catherine and Mary were not permitted to visit each other. In 1535, Henry VIII turned his attention to Jane Seymour (c. 1509 - 24 October 1537). Her mother, Catherine died on 7 January 1536, at Kimbolton Castle. Catherine and Mary had not seen one another for years though they had written one another in great secrecy. Henry VIII offered to pardon Mary, but only if Mary acknowledged him as head of the Church of England and admitted the "illegality" of his marriage to Catherine. Mary refused to do so until her cousin, Charles V, persuaded her otherwise. Anne Boleyn was arrested on 2 May 1536, and taken to the Tower. She was tried for adultery, high treason and incest on 15 May 1536, in the Great Hall of the Tower of London. Anne Boleyn was executed on 19 May 1536. She was buried in an unmarked grave at the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. Henry VIII and Jane Seymour were married on 30 May 1536. Jane Seymour gave birth to the male heir, Edward (12 October 1537 - 6 July 1553) on 12 October 1537, at Hampton Court Palace. Mary was his godmother. Jane Seymour died on 24 October 1537, at Hampton Court. She was interred in St. George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle. Henry VIII married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves on 6 January 1540. Their marriage was annulled on 9 July 1540. Henry VIII married his fifth wife, Katheryn Howard (1520 - 13 February 1542) on 28 July 1540, at Oatlands Palace, in Surrey. She was demoted from her position as Queen on 22 November 1541. Katheryn Howard was executed on charges of adultery on 13 February 1542. Henry VIII married his sixth and last wife Catherine Parr on 12 July 1543. Henry VIII died on 28 January 1547, at Palace of Whitehall. He was interred next to his third wife, Jane Seymour, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was succeeded by his son, as Edward VI. In 1549, the Duke of Somerset was executed. Guildford Dudley (c.1533/1536-1553) married Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554). She was the granddaughter of Mary Tudor. Edward VI willed the throne to Lady Jane Grey. Edward VI died on 6 July 1553. Shortly afterwards, Duke of Northumberland informed Lady Jane Grey at Syon House that Edward VI had left the crown to her and that she was now Queen of England. After Mary received news that Edward VI was dead, she sent proclamations throughout the country announcing her accession to the throne. Mary then went to Framlingham Castle, in Suffolk. By this time, the Privy Council in London realized their error in going along with Northumberland's plot and declared Mary the true Queen of England. She left Framlingham for London on 24 July 1553. Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley were arrested. Henry Grey and Northumberland were also arrested and brought back to the Tower. Henry Grey was released after a few days. John Dudley was executed on Monday, 23 August 1553, at Tower Hill. As Mary approached the outskirts of London, she was met by her sister Elizabeth, who offered her congratulations. Mary made her formal entry on 30 September 1553, into London, with Elizabeth and Anne of Cleves in a chariot behind the Queen's in the great procession. Mary was crowned on 1 October 1553, at Westminster Abbey. In late October 1553, the engagement between Mary and Prince Felipe of Spain (21 May 1527 - 13 September 1598) was made official. He was the son of Isabella of Portugal and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. His first wife, Maria Manuela, Princess of Portugal (15 October 1527 - 12 August 1545) died on 12 August 1545. Jane Grey and Guilford were tried and sentenced to death on 13 November 1553, at Guildhall. Mary refused to execute them. Mary sent John Feckenham, dean of St Paul's, to sway Jane Grey to the Catholic faith, but she remained Protestant. Lady Jane Grey was executed Monday, 12 February 1554. In March 1554, Mary was engaged by proxy to Prince Felipe. He set sail for England on 12 July 1554, arriving on 20 July 1554, at the Isle of Wight. Felipe arrived on 23 July 1554, at Winchester. Mary and Felipe were married on 25 July 1554. Mary began to act on her intention to restoring the Catholic faith in England. The medieval heresy laws were restored by Parliament, which meant that heretics could be killed and their property and holdings given over to the Crown. In January 1555, John Hooper, John Rogers and John Cardmaster were arrested after they refused to cease their heretical activities and put on trial. All three were condemned to be burnt at the stake. In April 1555, when the Court moved to Hampton Court Palace Elizabeth was brought there as well. One evening the Queen sent over a rich dress to Elizabeth with the message that she was to wear it that evening. She met the King and was later brought into see the Queen. At the end, Mary agreed to welcome Elizabeth at Court. In October 1555, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were condemned and burnt at the stake. Thomas Cranmer followed in March 1556. About 275 people died and were later included in John Foxe's Acts and Monuments of the English Martyrs. Because of these burnings, the Queen gained the epitaph "Bloody Mary". In 1557, when England declared war on France, Mary said to one of her attendants; "When I am dead, you will find Calais lying on my heart." Mary drafted her will on 30 March 1558. In October 1558, she added the codicil to her will. The Queen drifted in and out of consciousness, but at one point agreed to pass the crown to her half sister, Elizabeth. Her will was read aloud on 16 November 1558. Mary I died on 17 November 1558, at St. James Palace, in London, England. She was interred at Westminster Abbey, in London, England. She was succeeded by her half-sister, as Elizabeth I.
 

"In thee, O lord, is my trust, let me never be confounded: if God be for us, who can be against us?" Mary I

14th Cent. Jadwiga of Poland

 

Jadwiga of Poland was born between 3 October 1373 and 18 February 1374, in Buda, Hungary. She was the daughter of Elizabeth of Bosnia, Queen Consort of Hungary (1340 - 16 January 1387) and Louis I of Hungary. She had a sister, Mary. She grew up in Buda and Visegrád, in Hungary. Jadwiga was betrothed to William of Austria in 1378. Her father, Louis I died in 1382. He was succeeded by her sister Mary, under the Regency of their mother, Elizabeth. The lords of Lesser Poland did not want to continue the union with Hungary, or to accept Mary's fiancé Sigismund, so they chosed Jadwiga as their new Monarch. In 1383, a civil war broke out in Greater Poland. Jadwiga was crowned King of Poland on 16 November 1384, as Hedvig Rex Poloniæ. In 1385, William of Austria came to Kraków, but he was soon expelled from Poland. Later in 1385, Jogaila and the lords of Lesser Poland signed the Union of Krewo. Jadwiga and Jogaila were married in March 1385, in Kraków. Jogaila was then crowned King of Poland. In 1386, her mother Elizabeth and her sister Queen Maria of Hungary were kidnapped. Elizabeth was strangled in January 1387. In July 1387, Maria was released. Jadwiga gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth Bonifacia on 22 June 1399. Jadwiga died on 17 July 1399, in Kraków, Poland. Her daughter, Elizabeth Bonifacia also died. They were buried together in Wawel Cathedral. From the time of her death, Jadwiga of Poland was venerated like a Saint. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments officially affirmed her beatification on 8 August 1986. She was canonized as Saint Hedwig on 8 June 1997, in Kraków. The feast day of Saint Hedwig is 17 July.

19-20th Cent. Helena, Duchess of Albany.

Helena Frederica Augusta of Waldeck-Pyrmont was born on 17 February 1861, in Arolsen, Germany. She was the daughter of Helene Wilhelmine Henriette Pauline Marianne of Nassau ( 12 April 1831 - 27 October 1888) and George Victor of Waldeck-Pyrmont (14 January 1831 - 12 May 1893). Her maternal grandparents were Pauline of Württemberg (25 February 1810 - 7 July 1856) and William, Duke of Nassau (14 June 1792 - August 1839). Her paternal grandparents were Princess Emma of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg and Prince George II of Waldeck and Pyrmont. Helena's parents were married on 26 September 1853, in Wiesbaden. Her siblings were: Princess Sophie Nikoline (27 July 1854 - 5 August 1869), Princess Pauline (19 October 1855 - 3 July 1925), Princess Marie (23 May 1857 - 30 April 1882), Princess Emma (2 August 1858 - 20 March 1934), Prince Friedrich (20 January 1865 - 26 May 1946) and Princess Elisabeth (6 September 1873 - 23 November 1961). In November 1881, Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont became engaged to Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany (7 April 1853 - 28 March 1884). He was the youngest son of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Empress of India (24 May 1819 - 22 January 1901) and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (26 August 1819 - 14 December 1861). Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont and Leopold of the United Kingdom were married on 27 April 1882, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple resided at Claremont House. Leopold had haemophilia and the winter climate in England was difficult for him. In February 1884, he went to Cannes. He fell on 27 March 1884, in the Yacht Club, in Villa Nevada, Cannes. Leopold died the next morning, on 28 March 1884, in Cannes. He was interred on 5 April 1884, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Helena gave birth to their second child, a son Charles Edward on 19 July 1884.

The Children of Helena, Duchess of Albany and Leopold, Duke of Albany:

Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone (25 February 1883 - 3 January 1981)
Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (19 July 1884 - 6 March 1954)

As a widow, Helena and her children continued to reside at Claremont House. Helena became the founder of the Deptford Fund. Alfred, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha died in 1900. He was succeeded by her son, Charles Edward. During World War I, Helena did charity work along with her sister-in-law, Princess Beatrice. Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont died of a heart attack, aged 61, on 1 September 1922, in Hinterriss, Tyrol, Austria.

18-19th Cent. Maria Pavlovna, Grand Duchess of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.

Maria Pavlovna was born on 16 February 1786, in St. Petersburg, Empire of All the Russias. She was the daughter of Maria Feodorovna, Empress Consort of Russia (25 October 1759 - 5 November 1828) and Paul I, Emperor of Russia (1 October 1754 - 23 March 1801). Her maternal grandparents were Friederike Dorothee Sophie of Brandenburg-Schwedt, Duchess of Württemberg (18 December 1736 - 9 March 1798) and Friedrich Eugen, Duke of Württemberg (21 January 1732 - 23 December 1797). Her paternal grandparents were Catherine II the Great, Empress of Russia (2 May 1729 - 6 November 1796) and Peter III, Emperor of Russia (21 February 1728 - 17 July 1762). Maria's parents were married on 7 October 1776. Her siblings were: Alexander I (1777-1825), Konstantin Pavlovich (1779-1831), Alexandra Pavlovna (1783-1801), Elena Pavlovna (1784-1803), Catherine Pavlovna (1788-1819), Anna Pavlovna (1795-1865), Nicholas I (1796-1855) and Michael Pavlovich (1798-1849). Her mother was her father's second wife. Paul I married first Natalia Alexeievna (25 June 1755 - 15 April 1776) on 29 September 1773. Natalia delivered a still born daughter on 15 April 1776. Shortly afterwards, Natalia died. Maria was a talented pianist. Her music teacher was Giuseppe Sarti. Her grandmother, Catherine the Great died on 6 November 1796. She was succeeded by her father, as Paul I, Emperor of Russia. Her sister, Elena married Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1778-1819) on 23 October 1799, at the Gatchina Palace, in Gatchina. Her sister, Alexandra died on 16 March 1801, in Buda after giving birth to a daughter Alexandrine, who died a few days before. Her father, Paul I was assassinated on 23 March 1801, following a coup. Elena died on 24 September 1803. Maria Pavlovna married Karl Friedrich, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (2 February 1783 - 8 July 1853) on 3 August 1804. He was the son of Louisa Augusta of Hesse-Darmstadt (30 January 1757 - 14 February 1830) and Karl August, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (3 September 1757 - 14 June 1828).

The Children of Maria Pavlovna and Karl Friedrich of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach:

Paul Alexander Karl Constantin Frederick August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (25 September 1805 - 10 April 1806)
Marie Luise Alexandrine of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (3 February 1808 - 18 January 1877) Married Karl of Prussia
Augusta Louisa Katherine of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (30 September 1811 - 7 January 1890)Married Wilhelm I.
Karl Alexander August Johann of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (24 June 1818 - 5 January 1901)

Her husband, Karl Friedrich died on 8 July 1853, at Belvedere, in Weimar. In 1855, she attended the coronation of Alexander II, in Russia. Maria Pavlovna died aged 73, on 23 June 1859, in Weimar. She was buried in Weimar.

18th Cent. Louis XV, King of France and Navarre.

Louis XV, King of France and Navarre in his Coronation Robes

by Hyacinthe Rigaud

1715

Château de Versailles

Louis was born on 15 February 1710, at Versailles, France. He was the son of Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy (6 December 1685 - 12 February 1712) and Louis, Duc de Bourgogne (16 August 1682 - 18 February 1712). His maternal grandparents were Anne Marie d'Orléans and Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia. His paternal grandparents were Duchess Maria Anna Christina Victoria of Bavaria (28 November 1660 - 20 April 1690) and Louis, Dauphin de France (1 November 1661 - 14 April 1711). Louis's parents were married on 7 December 1697. His sibling included: Louis, Duke of Brittany (1704-1705) and Louis, Dauphin de France (1707-1712). Early in 1712, his mother and father both fell ill. His mother, Marie Adélaïde died on 12 February 1712. His father, Louis died on 18 February 1712. Because his parents, his only surviving brother and his paternal grandfather, Louis, Le Grand Dauphin had all died, Louis became the Dauphin de France. Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre (1638-1715) died on 1 September 1715. He was succeeded by his great-grandson, as Louis XV, with Philippe II, Duc de Orléans as his Regent. In 1721, Louis XV was engaged to Infanta Mariana Victoria of Spain (31 March 1718 - 15 January 1781). She was the daughter of Elisabeth Farnese (25 October 1692 - 11 July 1766) and Philip V, King of Spain (19 December 1683 - 9 July 1746). Philippe II, Duc de Orléans died in December 1723. Louis XV appointed as his first minister, Louis-Henri, Duc de Bourbon-Condé, who cancelled the betrothal between Louis and Mariana Victoria of Spain. Louis XV married by proxy Maria Karolina Zofia Felicja Leszczyńska (23 June 1703 - 24 June 1768) on 15 August 1725, at Strasbourg. The Court celebrated the marriage on 4 September 1725, at Château de Fontainebleau, in Fontainebleau. She was the daughter of Katarzyna Opalinska (1680-1747) and Stanislas Leszczynski (20 October 1677 - 23 January 1766). The couple had ten children.

The Children of Maria Leszczyńska and Louis XV:

Marie-Louise-Elisabeth de France (14 August 1727 - 6 December 1759)

Anne-Henriette de France (14 August 1727 - 10 February 1752)
Marie-Louise de France (28 July 1728 - 19 February 1733)

Louis, Dauphin de France (4 September 1729 - 20 December 1765)

Philippe de France (30 August 1730 - 17 April 1733)

Marie Adélaïde de France (23 March 1732 - 27 February 1800)

Victoire Louise Marie Thérèse de France (11 May 1733 - 7 June 1799)

Sophie Philippine Élisabeth Justine de France (27 July 1734 - 3 March 1782)

Stillborn Child (28 March 1735 - 28 March 1735)

Thérèse-Félicité de France (16 May 1736 - 28 September 1744)

Louise-Marie de France (15 July 1737 - 23 December 1787)

In 1726, the bishop André-Hercule de Fleury, replaced Louis-Henri, Duc de Bourbon-Condé as chief minister.

Louis XV, King of France and Navarre in his Coronation Robes

by Hyacinthe Rigaud

1730

Château de Versailles

From 1733 to 1738, the connection with Poland led to French involvement against Austria and Russia in the War of the Polish Succession. His daughter, Madame Élisabeth married Infante Felipe of Spain (15 March 1720 - 18 July 1765) on 25 October 1739, in Alcala de Henares, Spain. He was the son of Elisabeth, Queen Consort of Spain (22 October 1692 - 11 July 1766) and Philip V, King of Spain (19 December 1683 - 9 July 1746). Fleury died in 1744. The King proclaimed that he would henceforth rule without a chief minister. His son, Louis married Infanta Maria Teresa Antonia Rafaela of Spain (11 June 1726 - 22 July 1746) by proxy on 18 December 1744, in Madrid and in person on 23 February 1745, at Versailles. She was the younger sister of Felipe of Spain. In September 1745, the King took as his maîtresse en titre, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour (29 December 1721 -15 April 1764). His daughter-in-law, Maria Teresa died on 22 July 1746. Louis married his second wife, Marie Josèphe of Saxony (4 November 1731 - 13 March 1767) on 9 February 1747. She was the daughter of Maria Josepha of Austria (8 December 1699 - 17 November 1757) and Frederick Augustus II, Prince Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (17 October 1696 - 5 October 1763). His daughter, Anne Henriette died of smallpox on 10 February 1752. She was interred at Saint-Denis. In 1752, the King took as his new mistress, Marie-Louise O'Murphy de Boisfaily (21 October 1737 - 11 December 1814). She gave birth to a daughter by the King, Agathe Louise de Saint André (1754-1774) on 24 May 1754. In 1755, the relationship with Marie-Louise ended. In 1756, the King concluded an alliance with Austria. From 1756 to 1763, France and Austria went to war with Great Britain and Prussia, known as the Seven Years War. His daughter, Marie Louise Élisabeth died of smallpox on 6 December 1759, at the Château de Versailles. She was interred beside her twin sister, Anne Henriette on 27 March 1760, at Saint-Denis. Madame du Pompadour died on 15 April 1764, in Paris, France. Looking at the rain during the leaving of her coffin from Versailles, the King reportedly said; "La Marquise n'aura pas beau temps pour son voyage." (The Marquise won't have good weather for her journey.) His son, Louis Ferdinand died of consumption on 20 December 1765, at the Château de Fontainebleau, in Fontainebleau. He was interred at the Cathedral of St. Étienne, in Sens. His heart was interred at the Basilica of Saint-Denis, in Saint-Denis. His grandson, Louis Auguste, Duc de Berry (1754-1793), became the new Dauphin. His wife, Maria died on 24 June 1768, at Versailles, France. The King's new mistress, Marie Jeanne Bécu (19 August 1743 - 8 December 1793) was presented to the King's family and the Court on Sunday, 22 April 1769, at the Château de Versailles. In February 1770, his daughter Louise Marie entered the Carmelite Convent of Saint-Denis. With the veil, she received her new name, Thérèse of Saint Augustine. His grandson, Louis Auguste, Dauphin de France married Maria Antonia, Archduchess of Austria (1755-1793) on 16 May 1770, in the Chapel Royal at the Château de Versailles, in Versailles. In 1774, Louis XV got ill with smallpox. According to The Guardian of Marie Antoinette Letters from the Comte De Mercy-Argenteau, Austrian Ambassador to the Court of Versailles to Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria, Mercy wrote, "The eruption of the smallpox has not in any way changed the King's ordinary habits of life. On Sunday he went to hear Mass and walked in the gardens. Throughout this stay at Marly they spend the days in walking, in playing billiards and cards in the evening. The family is all together, and the Court is very numerous. All is carried on with so much gaiety that one forgets all idea of smallpox and illness... Mesdames have returned, they are badly marked by the smallpox, and are still very red." Louis XV died of smallpox on 10 May 1774, at Versailles, France. He was succeeded by his grandson as, Louis XVI with Marie Antoinette as his Consort. The new King and Queen of France and Navarre fell to their knees in prayer, with Louis XVI saying; "Dear God, guide and protect us. We are too young to reign."

Excerpt and Source: The Guardian of Marie Antoinette Letters from the Comte De Mercy-Argenteau, Austrian Ambassador to the Court of Versailles to Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria.

18-19th Cent. Lady Sarah Lennox

 

Lady Sarah Lennox was born on 14 February 1745. She was the daughter of Lady Sarah Cadogan (18 September 1705 - 25 August 1751) and General Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond (18 May 1701 - 8 August 1750). Her maternal grandparents were Margaretta Cecilia Munter and General Rt. Hon. William Cadogan, 1st Earl Cadogan. Her paternal grandparents were Anne Brudenell and Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond. Sarah's parents were married on 4 December 1719, at The Hague, in The Netherlands. Her siblings were: Georgiana Carolina Lennox, Lady Holland, Baroness of Holland (27 March 1723 - 24 July 1774), Charles Lennox, Earl of March (9 September 1730 - November 1730), Lady Emilia Mary Lennox (6 October 1731 - 27 March 1814), Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond (22 February 1734 - 29 December 1806), Lord George Henry Lennox (c.1738 - 25 March 1805), Lady Louisa Augusta Lennox (24 November 1743 - 1821) and Lady Cecily Lennox (20 Mar 1750-). Her father, Charles died on 8 August 1750, at Godalming, in Surrey. Her mother, Sarah died on 25 August 1751, at The Hague, in The Netherlands. Lady Sarah was raised by her elder sister, Emily FitzGerald, Duchess of Leinster, in Ireland. In ca 1758, Lady Sarah returned to London and the home of her sister, Caroline Fox, Baroness Holland. In ca 1760, Lady Sarah was invited to Court. Prince George of Wales (4 June 1738 - 29 January 1820) had always liked her, now he fell in love with her. He was the son of Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales (30 November 1719 - 8 February 1772) and Frederick, Prince of Wales (1 February 1707 - 31 March 1751). Her family saw her becoming the new Queen of England, but the Prince of Wales was adviced against this match. Prince George wrote in 1759, "I am born for the happiness or misery of a great nation, and consequently must often act contrary to my passions." King George II died on 25 October 1760. He was succeeded by his grandson, as George III. Lady Sarah was asked by King George III to be one of the bridesmaids at his wedding to the chosen one, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (19 May 1744 - 17 November 1818). Charlotte and George III were married on 8 September 1761, at the Chapel Royal, in St. James's Palace, London. They were crowned on 22 September 1761, at Westminster Abbey. Lady Sarah confided to a friend, "Luckily for me, I did not love him, and only liked him". Lady Sarah married Charles Bunbury on 2 June 1762, at Holland House Chapel, in Kensington, London. He was the eldest son of Eleanor Graham and Reverend Sir William Bunbury, 5th Baronet. In 1763, he succeeded his father as sixth Baronet.

The Child of Lady Sarah and Lord William Gordon:

Louisa Bunbury (18 December 1768 - 1785)

Lady Sarah gave birth to a daughter, Louisa on 18 December 1768, at Holland House, Kensington, London. In February 1769, she left her husband and eloped with her cousin and Louisa's biological father Lord William Gordon. He was the son of the Duke of Gordon. Sarah and Sir Thomas Charles Bunbury were divorced on 14 May 1776. Lady Sarah then met George Napier (11 March 1751 - 13 October 1804). He was the son of Henrietta Maria Johnston and Francis Scott, 6th Baron Napier of Merchistoun. He had married Elizabeth Pollock on 22 January 1775. Elizabeth and George had a daughter, Louisa Mary Napier (- 26 August 1856). Lady Sarah and George were married on 27 August 1781. They had eight children.

The Children of Lady Sarah and George Napier:
Sir Charles James Napier (10 August 1782 - 29 August 1853)
Emily Louisa Augusta Napier (11 July 1783 - 18 March 1863)
Sir George Thomas Napier ( 30 June 1784 - 8 September 1855)
Sir William Francis Patrick Napier (17 December 1785 - 12 February 1860)

Richard Napier (1787 - 13 January 1868)
Captain Henry Edward Napier (5 March 1789 - 13 October 1853)

Caroline Napier (1790-1810)
Cecilia Mary Napier (1791-1808)

Her husband, George died on 13 October 1804. The King who once had been in love with her, remained faithful to his wife, with whom he had 15 children, nine sons and six daughters. King George III died on 29 January 1820, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. He was buried on 15 February 1820, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Lady Sarah died aged 81, in August 1826.