Who Was Queen Victoria's Father?!
Explore the pivotal role played by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in securing the royal succession during a period of uncertainty following the death of Princess Charlotte of Wales in November 1817. As the only legitimate grandchild of King George III at the time, Princess Charlotte's passing left the line of succession in jeopardy, prompting urgent action from the royal family to ensure the continuity of the monarchy.
At the forefront of this endeavor was Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who, at the age of 50, sought to fulfill his duty by seeking a lawful marriage and producing an heir to the throne. His choice of bride was Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, the widow of Emich Karl, 2nd Prince of Leiningen, and sister-in-law to Princess Charlotte.
In a ceremony that spanned two occasions - first at Schloss Ehrenburg, Coburg, and later at Kew Palace, Kew, Surrey - Prince Edward exchanged vows with Princess Victoria, solidifying their union in both Lutheran and Anglican rites.
Their union bore fruit with the birth of a daughter, Alexandrina Victoria, on May 24, 1819. Despite being 51 years old at the time of her birth, the Duke of Kent expressed immense pride in his daughter, foreseeing her future as Queen of the United Kingdom.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating story of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, whose strategic marriage and the birth of his daughter played a crucial role in shaping the course of British history and ensuring the continuity of the monarchy for generations to come.