Figure 1.--This portrait by Carl Rothe shows Duchess Caroline Friederike Mathilde von Württemberg with her first two children, Marie, Landgravine of Hesse-Philippsthal, and Duke Eugen. The portrait looks to be painted about 1824. Mother and daughter wear low-neckline Empire dresses. Both children have ruinglet curls. Buke Eugene's outfit is difficult to make out bcause it is so dark, a deep burgsndy. It is probably a skeleton suit with a low neckline and large pointed lace collar.

Duke Eugen of Württemberg (Herzog Alexander Eugen Wilhelm Erdmann von Württemberg) was born at Carlsruhe in the Kingdom of Prussia (1820). He was the second child and first son of Duke Eugen of Württemberg (1788–1857) the great grandson of Grand Duke Freiderich II, the last grandduke before Württemberg became a kingdom. His mother was Princess Caroline FriederikeMathilde of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1801–25). She was the daughter of George I, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont and Princess Augusta of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. Here we see Duke Eugene with his mother and older sister about 1824 (figure 1). Shortly after this portrait was painted, his mother died. Eugene was only about 5 years old. Eugen was Commander of the 1st Westphalian Hussars No. 8, but he lived in more traquil times than his father and grandfather. Duke Eugene married Princess Mathilde of Schaumburg-Lippe (1818–91) in Bückeburg (1843). She was the daughter of George William, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe and Princess Ida of Waldeck and Pyrmont. They had three children. Duchess Wilhelmine of Württemberg (1844-92) married Duke Nicholas of Württemberg (1868). They had no children. Duke Eugen of Württemberg (1846–77) married Romanov Grand Duchess Vera Constantinovna of Russia (1874). Grand Duchess Vera had been adopted by King Karl and Queen Olga, her aunt. They had three children. Duke Eugene was killed in a duel only 3 years after the marriage. His new wife abd parents were grief stricken. Duchess Pauline of Württemberg (1854–1914) married Dr. Melchor Hans Ottokar Willim (1880). They had children. Duke Eugen died at age 54 years (1875). At the time he was second in the line to the throne of Württemberg after Prince William (later King William II).

Created: 4:23 AM 9/28/2011
Last updated: 4:24 AM 9/28/2011