Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Alfred (Alfred Ernest Albert; 6 August 184430 July 1900) was Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 1893 until his death in 1900. He was the second son and fourth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was also Duke of Edinburgh from 1866 until 1893.

 Biography 

 Early life 
Alfred Ernest Albert was born on August 6, 1844, in Windsor, England, the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. His early life was marked by the influence of his parents, who emphasized education and the arts. Growing up in a royal household, Alfred was taught various cultures and languages, which shaped his later interests.

 Education 
Alfred received a comprehensive education at home, benefiting from private tutors who instructed him in a wide array of subjects, including science, literature, and languages. He was particularly interested in engineering and the military, which influenced his future career path.

 Career 
Alfred joined the Royal Navy in 1858, advancing quickly through the ranks. He served in various capacities, including on the HMS Majestic and the HMS Duke of Wellington. His naval career included a notable stint in the Mediterranean and participation in the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882.

 Marriage 
On July 24, 1874, Alfred married the Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, the daughter of Emperor Alexander II. Their marriage was both a personal and political union, strengthening ties between the British and Russian royal families. The couple settled in the United Kingdom, where they became prominent figures in royal circles.

 Children 
Alfred and Maria had five children:

1. Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

2. Marie, who married Prince Ferdinand of Romania

3. Victoria, who married Prince Louis of Battenberg

4. Alexandra, who married Prince Ernst II of Hohenlohe-Langenbug

5. Beatrice, who married Duke Infante Alfonso of Galliera

 Role as Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg 
In 1893, Alfred became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, following the death of his parental uncle, Ernest II. As Duke, he worked to modernize the duchy, focusing on economic development and infrastructure improvements. He also supported cultural initiatives, including the arts and education."Progress of His Royal Highness, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, through the Cape Colony, British Kaffraria, the Orange Free State, and Port Natal in the year 1860"

 Death 
Alfred passed away on July 30, 1900, at the age of 55, in Coburg, Germany. He was later interred in the family vault at the cemetery in Coburg.Heathcote, p. 9.

References

Category:1844 births
Category:1900 deaths
Category:British royalty
Category:Cancer deaths in Germany
Category:Deaths from throat cancer
Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire
Category:Knights of Justice of the Order of St John
Category:Royalty from Berkshire
category:19th-century British people