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Elisabeth Hessen-KasselFirst wife of Prince Frederick
Date of Birth: 18.11.1661
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Princess Elizabeth Henrietta of Hesse-Kassel
- Betrothal and Marriage to Frederick
- Married Life and Death
Princess Elizabeth Henrietta of Hesse-Kassel
Born into the House of Hesse-Kassel, Princess Elizabeth Henrietta was the daughter of Landgrave Wilhelm VI and Hedwig Sophia of Brandenburg. After her father's untimely death, her mother, a sister of the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg, ensured her daughter received a Protestant education.
Betrothal and Marriage to Frederick
Landgravine Hedwig arranged her daughter's marriage to her nephew, Frederick, Crown Prince of Brandenburg. Frederick was initially considered as a potential husband for one of Emperor Leopold I's sisters. However, Elizabeth and Frederick had been acquainted since childhood and had developed mutual affection. Their official betrothal took place in 1676, although they had secretly exchanged vows three years prior.
In April 1678, Hedwig and her daughter traveled to Berlin. Due to financial constraints and the aftermath of the Treaty of Nijmegen, the wedding was delayed until the following year. On August 13, 1679, Elizabeth and Frederick were united in marriage at the Berlin Palace.
Married Life and Death
The couple resided at Köpenick Palace, which had been renovated for Frederick between 1677 and 1681. Their only child, a daughter named Louise Dorothea Sophie, was born on September 29, 1680. She later married Frederick of Hesse, who eventually ascended to the Swedish throne.
Elizabeth's life was tragically cut short at the age of 21 when she succumbed to smallpox three years after giving birth. Her husband was deeply affected by her loss. Elizabeth Henrietta was laid to rest in Berlin Cathedral.
