Frederick VI, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg

Frederick VI (30 July 1769 – 2 April 1829) reigned as Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg from 1820 until his death in 1829.

Biography

Born in Homburg, Hesse, on 30 July 1769, Friedrich Joseph Ludwig Carl August He fought in the Battle of Stockach (1799), Hohenlinden (1800), Wagram (1809), Aspern-Essling (1809), Dresden (1813), Mâcon and Limonest (1814) and reached the rank of General of the cavalry (Austria). For his services in that conflict, he was created a Commander of the Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa and also received the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle and the Bavarian Order of Saint Hubert. It was no love match: Elizabeth longed to be free from her domineering mother at any cost, while Frederick needed her sizeable dowry to improve the Landgraviate's strained finances. However, by all accounts Frederick treated his bride kindly and affectionately, and the princess reported herself to be quite happy. As Elizabeth was over the age of 48 at the time of their marriage, this union produced no offspring.

Landgrave Frederick V died on 20 January 1820; Frederick succeeded him as monarch of the principality. The new Landgrave struggled to repay his father's exorbitant debts. Nine years into his reign, the Landgrave died of complications from a pre-existing leg wound. He was succeeded by his brother, Louis William.

Ancestry