Ernst II German politician, Duke Date of Birth: 31.08.1871 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Altenburg
2. Succession and Marriage
3. Role in World War I
4. Contributions and Post-War Life
5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Altenburg

Ernst Bernhard Georg Johann Karl Friedrich Peter Albert, also known as Ernst II, was a German politician and the last ruling Duke of Saxe-Altenburg. Born in Altenburg, Ernst was the fourth child and only son of Prince Moritz, the younger son of Georg, Duke of Saxe-Altenburg, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Meiningen. After his father's death on May 13, 1907, the 36-year-old Ernst became the first in line to inherit the duchy.

Succession and Marriage

Ernst officially became the Duke of Saxe-Altenburg after the death of his uncle (and namesake) Ernst I on February 7, 1908. As there were no male heirs to Ernst I, there was no one to dispute Ernst II's rights to the duchy. On February 27, 1898, Ernst married Princess Adelaide of Schaumburg-Lippe, the granddaughter of George William, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe. They had four children together – two daughters and two sons.

Role in World War I

During World War I, Ernst declined all staff positions offered to him in the safe headquarters of the Kaiser. He also refused the rank of general. Instead, Ernst joined the war as a simple colonel and fulfilled his duties with great zeal. He particularly distinguished himself in the Battle of Peronne. By the end of the war, Ernst was commanding a division.

Contributions and Post-War Life

Interestingly, Ernst served his country not only as a military commander but also as a technology enthusiast. Even before the war, he showed a keen interest in the latest scientific advancements and had a wireless communication station installed in his castle in Altenburg, primarily for communication with airships. Ernst maintained his interest in wireless communication and became recognized as one of the leading experts in wireless telegraphs, telephones, and aviation.

After Germany lost the war, all German princes and dukes lost their titles and lands. Ernst, however, was one of the first to understand the changing political landscape and attempted to reconcile with his most dangerous opponents. Despite his efforts, on November 13, 1918, Ernst was forced to relinquish his title. He spent the rest of his days as a private citizen, initially living in a hotel in Berlin.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1920, Ernst divorced his first wife and announced his engagement to opera singer Helena Thomas. They were supposed to marry but the engagement was ultimately broken off. Ernst remarried on July 15, 1934, to his old acquaintance Maria Triebel. This marriage was morganatic, and Triebel only received the title of Baroness Reiseneck. They did not have any children. Ernst continued to pursue his scientific interests and even established an observatory in Wolfersdorf.

On May 1, 1937, Ernst joined the Nazi Party. After the war, he became a citizen of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Although his castle was confiscated by Soviet forces, Ernst was allowed to live there until the end of his days. On March 22, 1955, Ernst passed away, making him the last German prince to have ruled before 1918. His death followed closely after the passing of Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in March 1954.