Frederica of Hanover lived a life of royal privilege and exile. Born in 1917 as the only daughter of the German Duke of Brunswick, her life was shaped by the turbulent events of the 20th century. During World War II, she married the heir to the Greek throne, becoming Crown Princess and later Queen. But she was forced into exile when the Greek monarchy was abolished in 1967. Frederica's story is one of palaces and politics, love and loss. As the granddaughter of the last German Emperor, Frederica connected the royal families of Greece and Prussia. Though controversial, she served her adopted country devotedly as Queen of the Hellenes. But conflict with the Greek public and military regime ended her reign. Despite exile, Frederica never stopped fighting for restoration. Hers is a dramatic royal tale of duty and determination against all odds. In just three generations, Frederica witnessed the rise and fall of European monarchies. Her privileged yet tragic life offers unique insight into a volatile period that shaped the modern world.
Introduction to Frederica of Hanover
Frederica of Hanover (full name Friederike Louise Caroline Sophie Wilhelmine; 16 October 1917 – 6 February 1981) was the granddaughter of the last German Emperor Wilhelm II and a member of the House of Hanover. As the wife of Greek heir Paul, she was Crown Princess of Greece from 1947 to 1964. She later lived in exile after the Greek monarchy was abolished.
Early Life and Family
Frederica was born in 1917 at Blankenburg am Harz in Germany, the only daughter of Ernest Augustus, Duke of Brunswick, and his wife Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia. Her father was the head of the House of Hanover, while her mother was the only daughter of Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia. She had five brothers, including Prince George William, who later married Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark.
Marriage to Prince Paul of Greece
In January 1938, Frederica became engaged to Prince Paul of Greece, the heir apparent to the Greek throne. They married that same year on January 9, 1938 in Athens. Frederica then became Princess Paul of Greece. They had three children together: Sophia, Queen of Spain; Constantine II, King of Greece; and Princess Irene.
Crown Princess and Queen of the Hellenes
When Paul became King of Greece in 1947, Frederica became Crown Princess. She carried out many of the duties of a queen while her husband was in poor health. On April 1, 1947, Paul died and Frederica's son Constantine succeeded to the Greek throne. Frederica then assumed the role of Queen of the Hellenes.
As queen, Frederica was active in social services and worked to promote international cultural relationships. However, she became very unpopular among the people due to her perceived interference in politics. She was also criticized for her royal background and wealth.
Exile from Greece
In 1967, a military coup overthrew the Greek monarchy. Frederica and her family were forced into exile when her son Constantine was deposed. They first fled to Rome before settling in London. Despite living abroad, Frederica continued to be involved in Greek affairs and made several unsuccessful restoration attempts.
While in exile, she cared for her elderly mother, Princess Victoria Louise, until her death in 1980. Frederica remained in London until her death from cancer in 1981 at the age of 63. She was buried next to her husband Paul in the royal cemetery at Tatoi Palace in Greece.
Legacy
Although a controversial figure in Greece, Frederica left a legacy as a dedicated queen who strove to serve her adopted country. She connected the Greek royal family to other European dynasties through her marriage and children. Her life was shaped by 20th century events like World War II and the fall of monarchies that forced her into exile. Today, she is remembered as a prominent member of the Hanoverian dynasty.
(1) "Frederica of Hanover." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Feb. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederica_of_Hanover
(2) Montgomery-Massingberd, Hugh. "Burke's Royal Families of the World: Volume 1: Europe & Latin America." Burke's Peerage, 1977.
