Princess Louise of Anhalt-Dessau (1798–1858)

Louise Fredericka of Anhalt-Dessau (German: Luise Friederike von Anhalt-Dessau) (1 March 1798 – 11 June 1858) was a member of the House of Ascania and a Princess of Anhalt-Dessau by birth. Through her marriage to Gustav, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg, Louise became Landgravine consort of Hesse-Homburg from 1846 until 1848.

Early life and education

Princess Louise was born on 1 March 1798 in Dessau as the fifth child and second daughter of Frederick, Hereditary Prince of Anhalt-Dessau and his wife Landgravine Amalie of Hesse-Homburg, daughter of Frederick V, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg. Princess Louise was a deaf-mute from birth.

Until 1811, she was tutored by poet Friedrich von Matthisson (1761–1831) in Wörlitz.

Marriage and issue

On 12 February 1818 in Dessau, Louise married her uncle, Gustav, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg. Gustav was the brother of Louise's mother and the son of Frederick V, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg and his wife Landgravine Caroline of Hesse-Darmstadt.

Gustav and Louise had three children:

• Princess Caroline (1819–1872); married in 1839 to Henry XX, Prince Reuss of Greiz (1794–1859)
• Princess Elisabeth (1823–1864)
• Prince Frederick (1830–1848)

Death

Landgrave Gustav died on 8 September 1848 in Bad Homburg. Princess Louise survived her husband by nine years and died on 11 June 1858 in Bad Homburg.

References