Marriage and Family

In 1858, Friedrich married Victoria, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Their marriage was founded on love and shared progressive ideals, and the union produced several children, most notably their son, Wilhelm II, who would later become the last German Emperor. Friedrich’s relationship with Victoria had a profound influence on his outlook on governance, particularly his inclination toward constitutional monarchy and democratic reforms.

Victoria, a strong supporter of liberal values, hoped that her husband would bring these ideals to the German Empire. Unfortunately, Friedrich’s reign was cut short, and many of these ideas were left unfulfilled. Nevertheless, his partnership with Victoria represented a bridging of British and German royal families and an exchange of political ideologies.

Friedrich's reign as Emperor of Germany lasted only 99 days. His ascension to the throne was part of what is known as the "Year of the Three Emperors" (1888), a period marked by the sudden deaths of Emperor Wilhelm I and his son, Emperor Friedrich III’s predecessor, Frederick III's father. Upon Wilhelm I's death in March 1888, Friedrich became the heir apparent to the German throne.

However, Friedrich’s health was already in a delicate state when he assumed the throne. He had been suffering from throat cancer for several years, and his condition worsened shortly after his coronation. Despite his strong desire to reform the German Empire, his illness prevented him from pursuing any significant political changes during his brief reign. Friedrich III passed away on June 15, 1888, leaving the throne to his son, Wilhelm II, who would go on to rule until the end of World War I. shutdown123