Sophie Caroline Marie of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel

Duchess Sophie Caroline Marie of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (; 7 October 1737 – 22 December 1817) was Margravine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth by marriage to Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. She was the eldest daughter of Charles I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and his wife, Philippine Charlotte of Prussia, sister of Frederick the Great.

Biography

Failed betrothal In 1753, George II of Great Britain hoped to marry Sophie Caroline to his grandson George, Prince of Wales (the future George III). This was an attempt to improve relations with Prussia, as Sophie Caroline was a niece of Frederick II of Prussia and George II needed Prussian troops to help offset the alliance between France and Austria that had occurred as a result of the Diplomatic Revolution. The prince's mother Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales, thwarted George II's plans, however, which increased tensions within the British royal family. The Prince of Wales and his mother however did not possess the same attachment to Hanover, thus influencing their decision to reject a match with Sophie Caroline. Sophie Caroline married Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. He was 26 years older than she was, and their marriage was childless. While not considered a beauty, Sophie was considered witty, educated, and charming. Frederick had a daughter from his first marriage, who was five years older than Sophie Caroline. Their marriage had been contracted due to the threat of the Margraviate falling to Prussia, had Frederick no sons.

Frederick died on 26 February 1763. Without any male issue, he was succeeded on his death by his uncle, Frederick Christian.

Sophie Caroline died on 22 December 1817 at the age of 80. She never remarried.

Ancestry

Notes and References