Joachim Ernst, Duke of Anhalt


Joachim Ernst, Duke of Anhalt was the last ruler of the Duchy of Anhalt.

Life

He was born in Dessau, the son of Duke Eduard of Anhalt and Princess Louise Charlotte of Saxe-Altenburg, the daughter of Prince Moritz of Saxe-Altenburg.
He succeeded his father as Duke of Anhalt on 13 September 1918. However, due to his age, his uncle Prince Aribert of Anhalt was appointed regent. His brief reign came to an end on 12 November 1918, with his uncle abdicating in his name following the German revolution. The duchy became the Free State of Anhalt.
He died at the Buchenwald concentration camp after World War II as a prisoner of the Soviet Union, when it was called NKVD special camp Nr. 2.
Following his death, the headship of the Ducal House of Anhalt was disputed between his elder son, Prince Friedrich, and brother Prince Eugen.

Marriages and children

In Ballenstedt Castle on 3 March 1927, Joachim Ernst married firstly Elisabeth Strickrodt, a daughter of an opera singer. She was created Countess of Askanien, but they were divorced in 1929.
In Ballenstedt Castle on 15 October 1929, Joachim Ernst married secondly Edda-Charlotte von Stephani-Marwitz, who was adopted as an adult by Bertha von Stephani, reputedly for a payment of 10,000 marks, in order to improve her social standing. They had five children:

Ancestry