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Bernhard IIIThe last Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, who reigned from 1914 to 1918
Date of Birth: 01.04.1851
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Duke of Saxe-Meiningen: Bernhard III
- Military Career
- Reign as Duke of Saxe-Meiningen
- Later Life and Legacy
- Family and Marriage
- Awards and Honors
Duke of Saxe-Meiningen: Bernhard III
Early Life and EducationBernhard, the last Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, was born in 1851 as the eldest son of Duke Georg II and Charlotte of Prussia. His mother died when he was five, and he pursued his education at the Universities of Heidelberg and Leipzig.
Military Career
In 1867, Bernhard entered the Prussian army as an officer. He rose through the ranks, becoming General-Colonel in 1905 and receiving the rank of General Field Marshal in 1908. He commanded the 85th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Guards Infantry Division, 22nd Division, and 6th Army Corps.
Reign as Duke of Saxe-Meiningen
Upon his father's death in 1914, Bernhard became Duke of Saxe-Meiningen. However, the monarchy was abolished following Germany's defeat in World War I and the subsequent revolution. On November 10, 1918, Bernhard III was forced to abdicate, and Saxe-Meiningen became a free state within the Weimar Republic.
Later Life and Legacy
After his abdication, Bernhard lived as a private citizen in Meiningen until his death in 1928. He was buried with his wife in Altenburg Castle Park in Bad Liebenstein. Bernhard's younger brother, Ernst, became the head of the House of Saxe-Meiningen.
Family and Marriage
In 1878, Bernhard married Princess Charlotte of Prussia, daughter of Emperor Frederick III. Their marriage produced one daughter, Feodora Victoria, who married Heinrich XXX Reuss.
Awards and Honors
During his illustrious career, Bernhard III received numerous awards, including the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky in 1896.
