Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was born on September 20, 1886, in Schwerin, Germany. She was the daughter of Friedrich Franz III, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and his wife, Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia. In 1905, she married the Crown Prince of Germany, Wilhelm, who later became Emperor Wilhelm II after the death of his father. The couple had six children, but their marriage was not a happy one. Wilhelm was known for his infidelities, and Cecilie turned to religion and charity work to find solace. She was involved in various charitable organizations and was an active member of the Red Cross during World War I. After the war, Cecilie and her family were forced to flee Germany and live in exile. They settled in the Netherlands and lived a relatively peaceful life. However, the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party brought new challenges. Cecilie's son, Prince Hubertus, was killed fighting for the German army on the Eastern Front during World War II. After the war, Cecilie remained in the Netherlands and continued her charitable work. She died on May 6, 1954, in Bad Kissingen, Germany, at the age of 67.
