Princess Marie of the Netherlands
Princess Marie of the Netherlands was the fourth child and younger daughter of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands and wife of William, 5th Prince of Wied. She was the mother of William, Prince of Albania. Marie was also the last surviving grandchild of William I, King of the Netherlands.
Early life and ancestry
Marie was born at Wassenaar, Netherlands, the fourth child and younger daughter of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands second son of William I of the Netherlands, and his wife, [Princess Louise of the Netherlands|Louise of Prussia (1808–1870)|Princess Louise of Prussia], daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia. By birth, she was a member of the House of Orange-Nassau.Princess Marie was diagnosed with profound hearing problems at an early age. Like her sister Louise, she was considered intelligent - and very regal - but not attractive.
Her marital considerations were also affected by the considerable fortune that she would bring to any match.
Her parents hoped to marry her to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales but the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria opposed the match.
Marriage and family
Marie married on 18 July 1871 in Wassenaar, William, Prince of Wied. Born a member of the House of Wied, he was brother of Queen Elisabeth of Romania and the son of Hermann, Prince of Wied and his wife, Princess Marie of Nassau.They had six children:
- Friedrich, Prince of Wied ; married Princess Pauline of Württemberg, had issue.
- Prince Alexander of Wied
- Wilhelm, Prince of Albania ; married Princess Sophie of Schönburg-Waldenburg, had issue.
- Prince Victor of Wied ; married Countess Gisela of Solms-Wildenfels, had issue.
- Princess Louise of Wied
- Princess Elisabeth of Wied