Charles Christian | |
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Prince of Nassau-Weilburg | |
Charles Christian painted by Wilhelm Böttner, ca.1780
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Born |
Weilburg |
16 January 1735
Died | 28 November 1788 Münster-Dreissen, near Kirchheim |
(aged 53)
Spouse |
Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau Barbara Giessen von Kirchheim |
House | Nassau-Weilburg |
Father | Charles August, Prince of Nassau-Weilburg |
Mother | Augusta Frederika Wilhelmina of Nassau-Idstein |
Charles Christian, Prince of Nassau-Weilburg (Weilburg, 16 January 1735 – Münster-Dreissen, near Kirchheim, 28 November 1788), till 1753 Count of Nassau-Weilburg, was the first ruler of the Principality of Nassau-Weilburg between 1753 and 1788.
He was the son of Charles August of Nassau-Weilburg and Augusta Frederika Wilhelmina of Nassau-Idstein. He succeeded his father in 1753 and united his territories in 1783 with Nassau-Saarbrücken, Nassau-Usingen and Nassau-Dietz.
He married on 5 March 1760 in The Hague Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau (1743–1787), daughter of William IV, Prince of Orange and Anne, Princess Royal.
He became a general in the Dutch infantry, governor of Bergen op Zoom and governor of Maastricht (1773–1784). He negotiated in vain with the Patriots in 1787.
After the death of his wife, he concluded a morganatic marriage with Barbara Giessen von Kirchheim. He died in 1788 and was succeeded by his eldest surviving son Frederick William.
He and Carolina had 15 children, some of whom became ancestors of 19th century royalty: