Margravine Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
| Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie of Brandenburg-Bayreuth | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Duchess consort of Württemberg | |
| Tenure | 26 September 1748 – 6 April 1780 |
| Born | 30 August 1732 |
| Died | 6 April 1780 (aged 47) |
| Spouse | Charles Eugene, Duke of Württemberg |
| Issue | Princess Fredericka |
| Father | Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth |
| Mother | Wilhelmine of Prussia |
Margravine Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (30 August 1732 – 6 April 1780), was a German princess of the House of Hohenzollern and the Duchess of Württemberg by marriage.
She was born in Bayreuth, the daughter of Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth by his first wife, Princess Fredericka Sophie Wilhelmine of Prussia, the favourite sister of King Frederick II the Great. Both the Margrave and the Margravine hoped for the eventual birth of a son and heir; however, this never happened. Thus, Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie grew up as an only child at the court of her father in Bayreuth.
At the time of her birth, her parents' marriage was still intact. However, during the following years the couple became estranged as Margrave Frederick turned his affections to other women. His most prominent mistress was Wilhelmine von Marwitz, one of his wife's ladies-in-waiting.
Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie was considered one of the most beautiful princesses of her time. The girl was praised by Italian serial lover and writer Casanova himself as "the most beautiful princess in Germany". As an only child, she had a rigorous education and was prepared for a high and noble marriage.
In January 1744 the ruling Duke Charles Eugene of Württemberg visited Bayreuth and fell in love with Elisabeth. Her uncle, King Frederick II the Great of Prussia, promoted Charles Eugene as a good match for her, because he had known him during the two years he was educated at the Prussian court. Although the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and the King of Denmark were also suitors of the princess, Elisabeth's family chose Charles Eugene.
On 26 September 1748 the marriage of Elisabeth Fredericka Sophie and Charles Eugene took place in Bayreuth. The wedding was the most festive celebration in the history of the margraviate. Within the framework of the brilliant festivities the margrave's opera house was opened and commemorative coins with half-length portraits of the young couple were stamped with the saying "If the lit flames are extinguished tenfold, they will only burn brighter".
...
Wikipedia