From Princess to Poverty: Elizabeth of Hungary

Princess Elizabeth of Hungary,
Landgravine of Thuringia
Painting by Edmund Blair Leighton

One of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Born a Hungarian princess and died in profound poverty at the age of 24, she is an inspiration to many and one of the influential women of the Middle Ages. Through her daughter Sophia, Duchess of Brabant, she is the ancestress of the House of Hesse and almost all royal houses throughout Europe.

Olga Nikolaievna of Russia: The Second Russian Queen in Wurttemberg

Portrait of Queen Olga of Wurttemberg
by Franz Xaver Winterhalter
(Current Location: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg)

Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaievna was the second daughter of Nicholas I of Russia and his consort Alexandra Feodorovna. She was born on August 30, 1822 in the Anichkov Palace. While pregnant with Olga, Alexandra had suffered some anxiety because two years earlier, she gave birth to a stillborn daughter. Fortunately, this time, everything went well and the newborn daughter was named Olga, probably in honor of Princess Olga of Kiev. Within the family, she was called 'Ollie'.

In 1825, when Olga was 3 years old, her father ascended the throne as Nicholas I. The Emperor and the Empress doted on their children and Olga grew up in a loving and close-knit family. Nicholas and Alexandra were able to create a real home - a "happy island" in the words of the grand duchess: "Along with a very strict upbringing, on the other hand, we were given a lot of freedom. My father demanded strict obedience, but allowed us pleasure inherent in our childhood, which he himself loved to decorate what some unexpected surprises. "

In 1828, Olga was given a governess of a Swedish descent and a Protestant faith, Charlotte Duncker. Well-educated and strict, she inspired her student to work and study hard. In five years, Olga could read and write in three languages. However, according to her, her religious upbringing was rather superficial. "We are surrounded by Protestant teachers, who barely knew our language and our Church." She explained that because of the religious differences that existed in their environment, she and her siblings developed a strong attraction to their Orthodox faith.

Her education consisted of studying languages (German, French and English), history and geography. She learned how to play the harpsichord and the organ. However, her passion were painting and sculpting. One of her tutors, Count Vasily Zhukovsky, who had to return to Germany before Olga finished her education, wrote about her to her sister Maria: "Olga is very industrious. ...and always very, very attentive. She listens diligently, and does not forget what she learned... I am sorry that I do not have more time: it is a great pleasure to learn with her..."

In 1838, the imperial family traveled to Prussia to visit Empress Alexandra's father, King Frederick William II. It was Olga's second trip abroad. She recalled how she and her sisters enjoyed their stay with their Prussian relatives, where there were always jokes and laughter. The old King loved being surrounded by his Russian granddaughters. Olga recalled how during dinners, he always wanted Maria, Olga and Alexandra to be seated across from him, and how he "liked to look at [them] all and enjoy [their] beauty". Olga also mentioned that among the three of them, it was she who bore little resemblance to their mother, and opined that Alexandra was their grandfather's favorite because she, the King said, "was the only one among us who look 'Prussian' with her snub nose and a sly face."

It was in also in Prussia that Olga met the Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria. In Charlottenburg, she was able to dance with him in a cotillion. The Bavarian royal family wanted Max to marry one of the Russian princesses, and they thought about Maria. But the Crown Prince told Olga that he saw a resemblance between her and a portrait in one of the Bavarian palaces, and so it was only her that he wanted to marry. At first, Olga didn't know that she was already being courted. When her mother told her about Max's intention, Olga refused even to think about marriage.

After the marriage of their sister Maria to the Duke of Leuchtenberg, and their brother Alexander being away for periods of time in search for a bride, Olga became closer to her sister Alexandra. "We talked a lot together, especially about the future... Most of it was about our future children, whom we will love and believe passionately, fill them with respect to all the beautiful and above all to the ancestors and their deeds, and to imbue them with love and devotion to our family. Our future husbands do not take us completely, it was enough that they seemed to us perfect and full of generosity."

By this time also, Olga was already 19, attractive, cultured and still unmarried. She was regarded as one of the most eligible princesses in Europe. After the wedding of her sister Maria, who married a prince below her rank, their parents were determined to find Olga a royal husband. Back in 1838, there was Max of Bavaria, but neither Olga nor her family liked him. A year later, their thoughts turned to Archduke Stephan of Austria. He was the son of Archduke Joseph, Palatine of Hungary (Joseph's first wife was none other than Olga's aunt, Alexandra Pavlovna) from his second marriage. Olga liked Stephan, but a possible marriage between her and Stephan was prevented by his stepmother, who, probably out of jealousy, didn't like a Russian relative of Alexandra Pavlovna. Furthermore, Austria didn't want a princess with an Orthodox faith as this can lead to social unrest among the minorities. By 1840, Olga decided that there was no need to rush into marriage. She was happy to stay home. Her father told her that she was free to choose who she like.

When Prince Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel visited Russia in 1843, Nicholas and Alexandra were hopeful that he might consider marrying the already 21-year-old Olga. He was introduced to her when he came to Peterhof. Olga seemed to have liked Frederick and enjoyed his company and conversation. However, the next day, Frederick met the 18 year-old Alexandra, and to everyone's surprise, fell in love with the younger princess. Realizing that the couple were very much in love with each other, Olga graciously 'stepped aside' in favor of her sister. Frederick William and Alexandra married in January 1844 but the couple's blissful married life was tragically cut short when Alexandra died 6 months later from consumption and premature childbirth.

Later that year, Adolf, Duke of Nassau came to visit Russia with his younger brother Maurice. The Emperor and the Empress were considering this visit as a great opportunity for a marriage between Adolf and Olga. However, their hopes were dashed once again when Adolf fell in love and decided to marry Olga's cousin, the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mikhailovna. The Emperor was surprised, but Olga wrote that "he had nothing against [the match]".

Meanwhile Olga turned 22 year old, still unmarried, and a suitable groom can't still be found.

Olga was said to have a strong personality and was very much like her father "with regular features, a strong will and a persistent nature". While on the other hand, she also inherited her mother's "femininity and angelic tenderness". She was described as the ideal feminine beauty: "tall, slender, blond, with a cameo profile and big blue eyes."

The death of Olga's younger sister Alexandra in the summer of 1844 was a devastating blow to the whole family. Olga's grief in the death of her beloved sister inspired her to write her memoirs later in life and described how it felt without Alexandra, the favorite of the family. She described her as "a lark that emanates with joy." The Empress was doubly affected by Alexandra's death. Not of a robust constitution, her grief greatly worsened her health. She was advised by her physicians to spend sometime abroad and to benefit in the warm climate of the South. Olga was to accompanied her mother, and wrote sadly that the trip was like a death sentence. "Away from the family, from home, without Papa and my brothers, wandering around Europe, not knowing when we can return." Olga, her mother and a few staff wander across Europe, visiting one health resort to another. When they reach their final destination, Palermo in Italy, the Empress's health certainly improved and Olga happily wrote that her mother was doing quite well, was able to put on some weight, was more cheerful and was strong enough to do everyday activities. It was also during this stay in Italy that Olga received a letter that would finally decide her fate. The letters that Olga received are from Stuttgart. The first dispatch of letters contained a request from the King of Wurttemberg to introduced his son to Olga, because the prince wanted to meet her. The second dispatch was a letter from Count Metternich stating that the Austrian Imperial Family were interested in a rapprochement, regarding the failed match between Archduke Stephan and Olga.

Olga felt confused and in her own words, the first time she went in doubt. She didn't want to be bound to a husband, who, not having a firm position, depends entirely to Metternich. The unexpected request from Stuttgart made her more confused and undecided. But she later remembered her father's advice that everything is in God's hands. She decided to visit Stuttgart to meet the Crown Prince of Wurttemberg, and it was after then that she would decide which of the two candidates is more suitable for her.

Then Olga made her decision. She decided that she would chose to marry Crown Prince Charles of Wurttemberg. Her reason for selecting him was familial. Among all the ruling families in Germany, Wurttemberg was most closely associated with the Romanovs. Olga's grandmother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna was born a princess of Wurttemberg, so was her aunt, Elena Pavlovna, and another aunt, Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna was once married to the King of Wurttemberg.

Crown Prince Charles of Wurttemberg arrived in Palermo on January 1, 1846. On their first meeting, Olga felt nervous but not shy. She recalled how she immediately fell in love with his soft voice, and admired his figure, his brown eyes and how his hair framed his forehead and temples. "He was rather shy and spoke little." After several meetings, Olga accepted Charles's marriage proposal. She was brimming with happiness in this event, same also her whole family and Russia. The Russian Court sighed in relief upon receiving the news that she was marrying Charles instead of Archduke Stephan. "In Austria, she would be unhappy, as was the late Alexandra Pavlovna... Thank God she was saved from trouble and gave her a more dignified fiance."

After their engagement was announced, Olga spent most of her free-time with Charles:
"I looked at his eyes and listened to him in intently, but the upcoming big change in my life also interested me, so I kept clear memories and impressions. It seemed to me that it is more important and significant to know the character and nature of Charles. His childhood was not happy: his parents never had a harmonious time together. He grew up lonely, and his need for affection was great. He loved to talk to me while walking in the garden, on bank of the Arno. When I was sitting in the room with work in hand, he quickly grew impatient, and this reminded him of his joint family evenings at home, where his mother and sisters sat in silence for their work, shivering in advance of the chicanery of the King. When he found out that my birthday is on 11 September, he exclaimed: 'Oh, it lies exactly between the birthdays of my parents! This may mean that you are destined to become the connecting link between the two.' He guessed my nature and I have thus the direction of my path."

Olga and Charles were married in great splendor at the Peterhof Palace in Russia on July 1846. Olga looked radiant. After the Orthodox wedding, a Lutheran one followed. The celebration lasted for several days and then the couple attended a ball in their honor. The people observed: "She was incomparably beautiful. Her husband was not handsome, but his face radiates common sense and kindness."

In September, Olga and Charles left Russia for Wurttemberg. She was enthusiastically welcomed by the people. The couple settled in Villa Berg in Stuttgart. Less than a month after her arrival to her new homeland, Olga was settling herself with great ease, bringing herself closer to her new country and her people: "It's comforting to think in a moment of separation that my grandmother was born unforgettably in this land where I was destined to live and where Ekaterina Pavlovna left so many memories. They love their Russian name, and Württemberg connected us by many ties."

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Source:
"The Golden Dream of My Youth" by Queen Olga of Wurttemberg

'Dear Katya': Catherine Pavlovna of Russia

Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia,
Duchess of Oldenburg
Queen of Wurttemberg

"Catherine had eyes of fire and a figure of demi-goddess." 

- Nikolai M. Karamzin

Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia or "Katya" as she was affectionately called by her family, was the favorite sister of Alexander I and one of the few people he trusted implicitly. Elegantly beautiful, vivacious, highly-intelligent and ambitious, Catherine was one of the brightest stars in the Russian court. She exercised a considerable moral influence to Alexander and he kept up a detailed and continual correspondence with her over the years. Their 10 year age gap and their differences in personality didn't prevent these two people to become deeply attach to each other. Alexander was calm, humble and reserved. Catherine was whimsical, dramatic and impulsive. She had a fiery nature that Alexander found irresistible, and he adored and worshiped her, so much so that some people in the Russian court even suspected that they were having an incestuous relationship. But I strongly doubt that such a thing between Alexander and Catherine ever existed. They were simply too devoted to each other.

Catherine Pavlovna (or Ekaterina Pavlovna, the Russian equivalent of her name) was the fourth daughter of Paul I of Russia and Maria Feodorovna. She was born on 10 May 1788 in Tsarskoe Selo and was named in honor of her formidable grandmother, Empress Catherine II. Her birth was a disappointment to her parents, who were expecting a son, but the Empress was delighted with this little baby girl who was named after her. She wrote: "Yesterday, the grand duchess gave birth to a daughter that received my name - Catherine. Mother and daughter are healthy now."

Catherine's education began under the supervision of the Empress, and Countess Lieven became her governess. After the Empress's death, Maria Feodorovna continued the supervision of her daughter's education. Her education was "rigid" and Catherine grew up to be a witty and very intelligent woman, with a good sense of independence and individuality. In addition to French, German and English, Catherine was also fluent and wrote well in Russian - something that was rare for Russian women of high rank during those times. She was well-read in mathematics, economics, politics, history and geography. She was also taught in music and painting, and she was engaged in engraving. By the age of 16, her beauty became more noticeable. Her character became even more lively and sociable, and shyness was alien to her. But it was her eyes that greatly stood out, as the historian Nikolai Karamzin recalled: "Catherine had eyes of fire..." With her remarkable beauty, slender figure, brilliant mind and royal descent, Catherine was a much sought-after bride. The Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna wanted her daughter to be Empress of Austria, and this prospect was shared by the ambitious Catherine herself. However, Alexander I, who wanted a fine husband for his favorite sister, would not hear of it, since he thought that the Emperor Franz was too old for her, feeble and weak-willed. Furthermore, Alexander never forgot the unhappy life of his sister Alexandra in the Austrian court, which eventually resulted to her premature death.

Catherine on the other hand, was very keen to marry Emperor Franz and live in Austria. She wrote to her brother that even though Franz was already 40 years old, she didn't find that a problem, adding: "I understand that he is no Adonis, but he is a decent man, enough to make a happy family life." However, nothing came out from this possible marriage with Austria (due to the strong opposition of Alexander I), and soon Catherine, by this time already 20 years old, finds herself still unmarried.

In the summer of 1807, Alexander received a proposal from Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon wished to strengthen France's ties to Russia and he thought about marrying one of Alexander's sisters who was of marriageable age - Catherine. Alexander was shocked and he communicated this to his mother. The Dowager Empress was horrified; she didn't want any of her daughters to become wife of a "tyrant", as she called Napoleon. Catherine was likewise averse of Napoleon and she said "I would rather marry the last Russian stoker than that Corsican." Hastily, the Dowager Empress arranged for the meeting and subsequent betrothal of Catherine to Prince George of Oldenburg. They were married on 18 April 1809 when Catherine was already 21 years old. The tragic short life of Catherine's older sisters, Alexandra and Elena, who both died in childbirth, made the Dowager Empress determine not to marry off her remaining daughters in such early age.

Although it was said that Prince George of Oldenburg was neither handsome nor imposing, he was an honest and respectable man. Catherine became deeply attached to him, and felt happy and contented with her married life. Their honeymoon was spent in Pavlovsk and eventually Alexander gave them the Anichkov Palace in St. Petersburg. Later, Prince George was made Governor-General of Tver and he and Catherine moved there in August 1809. Catherine gave balls in the palace, festivities, illuminations and fireworks. She changed "the quiet and simple provincial life" in Tver. She made every effort to "give this dear place a piece of St. Petersburg". She became involved in charity, and, with a great sense of duty, adopted many public causes. According to the French Ambassador Joseph de Maiste: "The life of the Grand Duchess Catherine in Tver is truly astonishing. In the evening, her home is like a monastery. A famous writer, Mr. Karamzin, reads her lectures in Russian history... The Princess teaches Russian language to her husband and serves as a mediator between him and the common people. Her kindness and courtesy are unparalleled. If I were a painter, I would send a picture of her eyes, that you may have seen her good nature... And this young princess was high in favor to her brother [Alexander], who lavishes her...with much attention. She is very well-educated and very intelligent. Hers is a mind that can foresee a lot and take the most decisive measures."

In 8 August 1810, Catherine gave birth to her first son, Frederick Paul Alexander. And two years later, another son, Peter. During these times, Catherine exercised considerable influence to Alexander. He took her advice concerning domestic and foreign policy. She even showed consideration to his mistress, the wily and astute Maria Narishkina, which touched Alexander deeply. During the war with Napoleon, amidst the general confusion and distress, Catherine showed a remarkable energy and initiative. She was tireless in her every effort and Alexander admired her more than ever. Unfortunately, on December 1812, before the expulsion of the French troops from Russia, her husband Prince George fell ill and died of typhus. Catherine was devasted and wrote to Alexander: "I lost with him all." She felt her loss so much that for weeks, she refused to leave her room, crying and lamenting. Her family and her friends became so concerned about her that they feared her sanity, and persuaded her to travel around Europe to take her mind off things.

The widowed Catherine traveled extensively abroad, writing numerous letters to her mother. While staying in England, she met the Prince Regent, and he proposed to her. Catherine was shocked and refused his proposal. Thereafter, she refused ever meeting him again. Because of her behavior, which provoked the outrage of the royal court and the British public, relations between Russia and Britain became even more strained.

While staying in England, Catherine met her cousin, Crown Prince William of Wurttemberg. William was married to the gentle Princess Caroline of Bavaria but their marriage was deeply unhappy and remained childless. They divorced in 1814. And now William, lonely and very unhappy, fell in love with his charming and beautiful cousin. Catherine reciprocated his feelings, and finally William proposed to her. In January 1816, they were married. Soon, the couple moved to Stuttgart. Months later, King Frederick of Wurttemberg fell gravely ill. Despite the fact that Catherine was in the last month of her pregnancy, she was almost always near the patient and taking care of him. The king died and in the same day, Catherine gave birth to a daughter. She was named Marie Frederika Charlotte. William and Catherine were now the King and Queen of Wurttemberg.

Catherine's life in Wurttemberg didn't start off very well. She had to deal with difficult in-laws and the poor financial state of the kingdom. But, having a strong character and keeping in mind that she was a Russian grand duchess, she was able to install herself perfectly in her position, and gained the respect of the people. Just like what she did in Tver, she continued her efforts to the benefit of her new country. She became involved in charity and promoted many social causes, such as establishing schools, orphanages and workhouses, and helping farmers and horticulturists to better cultivate the land. Unfortunately, Catherine's life in Wurttemberg would be cut short.

In early 1819, less than three years in her adopted homeland, Catherine fell gravely ill with erysipelas which later complicated by pneumonia. She died in the morning of 9 January 1819. Her husband, who loved her and was greatly devoted to her, was devastated, and her children were deeply affected by the death of their mother. When Empress Maria Feodorovna received the news that her daughter had died, she burst into uncontrollable sobs and cried "No, it's not true! Dear Katya is not dead, it's a lie!"

To house the remains of her precious wife, the inconsolable William commissioned the Italian architect Giovanni Salucci to build a mausoleum at the peak of the Wurttemberg Hill in Stuttgart.
Catherine was outspoken, exuberant and had a very strong personality, but she also possessed great kindness, intellectual prowess and a non-judgmental approach towards people. She was devoted to Russia, and after marrying William, to Wurttemberg, which welfare was of an utmost important for her. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and the people of Wurttemberg greatly mourn the premature loss of their beloved Queen.

The Countess Lieven wrote about Catherine as Queen of Wurttemberg:

"I've never met a woman who was so much afflicted with the need to move, act, play a role and overshadow others. She has charming eyes and manners, confident gait, a proud and graceful posture. Although her features were not classic, her striking fresh complexion, bright eyes and gorgeous hair captivated everyone. She knew perfectly well all the rules of decency and was blessed with strong feelings of the sublime. She spoke briefly but eloquently, her tone was always commanding."

Maid-of-honor to the Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna, Countess Edling, wrote about Catherine:

"Ekaterina Pavlovna, sister of the emperor, later Queen of Wurttemberg, whose greatness of heart was equal to that of her mind, could charm any and dominate everyone who surround her. Beautiful and fresh as Hebe, she was able, had a charming smile, and eyes that penetrate into one's soul. Her eyes sparkled with wit and gaiety... [Her] lively conversation exuded her peculiar charm. The family adored her and she felt that by staying in Russia, she could play the most brilliant role!"

Read more about Catherine's sisters:

Alexandra | Elena | Maria 

Song for Sissi - If I Had a Wish

Dutch singer Petra Berger dedicated this song to the beautiful and tragic Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

Sisi, I know you’re sad

Through all the hurt you’ve had

I can’t make it right

Can’t win your fight

Although I’d like to

You married far too young

You were a precious one

He stole you away

A new role to play

The empress of Austria

If I had a wish

I wouldn’t miss

My chance to say

Sisi I’d braid your hair

Brush away all despair

You flirted with death

To take your last breath

And lead you to heaven

Sisi it makes me sad

You had your babies too

Taken away from you

How did you survive

So long in that life

I couldn’t do it

Let’s dream that you’ll be

Barefoot and free

With all your children

Sisi I’d braid your hair

Brush away all despair

Angel of Schwerin: Elena Pavlovna of Russia

Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of Russia,
Hereditary Princess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Portrait by Josef Grassi, 1803

On December 13, 1784, in Gatchina, Tsarevich Paul of Russia and his wife Maria Feodorovna gave birth to a second daughter. The proud parents and the formidable grandmother Empress Catherine were surprised with the unusually regular features of this baby. She was named Elena - after Greek mythology's Helen of Troy - and true enough the baby would grow up to be a great beauty.

Elena was educated privately at home together with her elder sister Alexandra, to whom she shared a close relationship. The first years of her education were strictly supervised by her grandmother, and Elena was given a governess, Countess Charlotte Lieven. The Countess closely monitored the child's spiritual and emotional qualities and she quickly realized that the child was particularly sensitive to all things beautiful. Countess Lieven reported this to the Empress, and in turn the Empress ordered to decorate the room of the little grand duchess with special care and fill it with flowers everyday. The Empress, filled with pride about her granddaughter, wrote to Baron Grimm about Elena: "She seems to be a beauty in the full sense of the word. She has an unusually regular features. She is slim and graceful by nature, she had a lively and playful character and a kind heart. Her brothers and sisters are extremely fond of her cheerful disposition..." The Empress was meticulous when it comes to matters about her grandchildren but she was particularly proud and quick to compliment Elena. She wrote: "...beautiful Helen is thriving and I believe that in the next six months she will be smarter and livelier than her older sister, who will be two years old next week."

Elena, together with her sister Alexandra, learned painting, music and languages. By the time they were in their early teens, they could already speak five languages. As Elena grew older, her grandmother never tried to hide her preference for "beautiful Helen", comparing her with her sisters and was always praising her appearance. For the Empress, Elena was the embodiment of beauty and grace. She was fond of drawing flowers and plants, loved taking long walks in the parks of Pavlovsk, and probably kept a diary - but it was not preserved. She grew up to be a thoughtful and sensitive but impressionable girl.

When Elena was 12 years old, the French painter Madame Vigee Le Brun did a portrait of the two eldest grand duchesses: Alexandra and Elena. Another painter, Vladimir Borovikovsky, also painted a portrait of Elena. These portraits were shown to the European courts, and monarchs and ministers were fascinated with the two grand duchesses.

Soon there were talks about Elena's marriage. Emperor Paul chose the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. This German state is not only small but it is also not wealthy. Nevertheless, Paul saw it was politically advantageous for Russia. Negotiations were conducted and fortunately no problems arose and so it was completed successfully.

On February 17, 1799, Prince Frederick Louis, the heir to the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin arrived in St. Petersburg. He was introduced to his bride-to-be. According to contemporaries, Frederick was rather "naive and plain, but he is kindhearted, handsome and has a strong sense of humor". He was obviously captivated with his bride's "elegant beauty, refined manners and gentle eyes". Elena was also fascinated with the young man, and they quickly fell in love. She was happy to meet his entourage and was eager to see his future father-in-law. She sent him letters, almost everyday, which she diligently and respectfully written in German and French.

Elena and Frederick Louis were engaged on May 5, 1799 in Pavlovsk and on October 12, 1799 they were married in Gatchina. A week later, Elena's sister Alexandra was married to Archduke Joseph of Austria. These two weddings were celebrated with great joy and pomp, and celebrations lasted for a month.

In early 1800, Elena and her husband left Russia for Schwerin. On their arrival, she was warmly received by her father-in-law, the Duke. He immediately liked Elena and she was to become his favorite daughter-in-law. A banquet was held in honor of the newlyweds. Elena appeared in her magnificent dress decorated with diamonds, things that were never seen in impoverished Schwerin. She quickly realized the condition of her new homeland and she became involve in charity.

Despite the fact that Schwerin is far from being magnificent or opulent like the Russian court, Elena was happy and contented with her new country and tried her best to make the most out of it. The new Princess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was affectionate and amiable. She was friendly to all people: from her in-laws to the street urchins. She and Frederick explored the streets on foot while generously giving the people, especially the children, with flowers, coins and sweets. She became involve in encouraging children's education and did her best to help those in need. She quickly won the hearts of her people. They loved their Princess and were proud of her kindness and beauty. Elena was indeed lovely and charming, with blond hair, a slender figure and beautiful blue eyes, but she also possessed a warm heart devoid of any pretensions. She treated people with respect and in the way they would not feel intimidated nor distressed in her presence. On her birthday, her maid got hold of something rare in those days: a bunch of Parma violets (these normally bloom during warm season, and Elena's birthday is in December). She presented the flowers to her mistress, and Elena, deeply moved with her maid's thoughtfulness, gave her something that is "more valuable than gold" - she simply embraced her. Both stood for several minutes in silence and with tears in their eyes.

On September 1800, she gave birth to her first child - a son - and he received the names Paul Frederick. He was named in honor of his grandfathers. In the following year, she and her husband visited Berlin. She met the Prussian royal family and became friendly with Queen Louise. The people of Berlin were fascinated with the sight of these two lovely creatures walking together, and they were called "A Pair of Roses".

In 1803, when Elena was expecting her second child, her fragile health deteriorated rapidly. There were signs of consumption. Physicians were called from Berlin and St. Petersburg, but there was nothing they can do to save her. Consumption was incurable during those times. She died in the evening of September 24, 1803. She left behind a bereaved husband and in-laws, a one year old son and a newborn daughter. The people of Schwerin were saddened by her sudden death. She was buried with great sorrow in a mausoleum in Ludwiglust. On the day of her death, a paper was found under her pillows. It contains a long list of the names of families she intended to help in the future.

The people of Schwerin called Elena an "Angel" because she made no enemies and was loved by everyone. Despite her short life, Elena was still luckier than her older sister Alexandra. While both princesses grew up together, were almost inseparable, married almost at the same time, and had relatively short life and both dying in childbirth, Elena was more fortunate. Until her untimely death, she was surrounded by loving and kind people. Her husband was loving towards her, her father-in-law gave her with fatherly affection and the servants all loved and respected her (strikingly different from the cold and stiff Austrian court that Alexandra had to endure).


Read about Elena's sisters:
Alexandra | Maria | Catherine