Princess Marie of the Netherlands


Princess Marie of the Netherlands was the fourth child and younger daughter of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands and wife of William, 5th Prince of Wied. She was the mother of William, Prince of Albania. She was the last surviving grandchild of William I of the Netherlands.

Early life

Marie was born at Wassenaar, Netherlands, the fourth child and younger daughter of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands second son of William I of the Netherlands, and his wife, Princess Louise of Prussia, daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia.
Princess Marie was diagnosed with profound hearing problems at an early age. Like her sister Louise, she was considered intelligent - and very regal - but not attractive. Her marital considerations were also affected by the considerable fortune that she would bring to any match. Her parents hoped to marry her to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales but the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria knowing her son's sexual proclivities, opposed the match.

Marriage and family

Marie married on 18 July 1871 in Wassenaar, William, Prince of Wied, elder son of Hermann, Prince of Wied and Princess Marie of Nassau.
They had six children: