Charles, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst


Charles William, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst.
He was the third son of John VI, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Sophie Auguste, daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp. His two older brothers died before his birth.

Life

Charles William succeeded his father in Anhalt-Zerbst in 1667 at the age of fifteen. During his minority, which lasted until 1674, his mother, the Dowager Princess Sophie Auguste, acted as regent.
He ordered the building of Zerbst Castle and the St. Trinitatis Church of Zerbst, which were both inaugurated in 1696. Also, he lived many years in Jever.

Marriage and issue

In Halle on 18 June 1676 Charles William married Sophie, daughter of August, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels. They had three children :
  1. John Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst.
  2. Karl Frederick.
  3. Magdalene Auguste, married on 17 June 1696 to Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg; she was the grandmother of King George III of Great Britain.