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List of Prussian monarchs

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monarchy of Prussia
König von Preußen
Last ruler
Wilhelm II
Details
StyleHis Majesty
First monarchAlbert (as Duke)
Last monarchWilhelm II
Formation10 April 1525
Abolition9 November 1918
ResidenceKönigsberg Castle
Stadtschloss
AppointerHereditary
Pretender(s)Georg Friedrich

The monarchs of Prussia were members of the House of Hohenzollern, who was the ruler of Prussia, a powerful German state that existed from the 16th century in 1525 until it was abolished in 1918. The title was held by monarchs who led Prussia through periods of history, including wars, territorial expansion and the formation of the German Empire in 1871. The kingdom was known for its strong military and efficient government.

Prussia was a major influence in Europe, and its leaders played key roles in shaping modern Germany. The last king of Prussia was Kaiser Wilhelm II. He abdicated from the throne in 1918 after Germany's defeat in World War I and following the German Revolution. His reign ended the German Empire and the Hohenzollern dynasty's 300-year rule of Prussia.

Duchy of Prussia (1525–1701)

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NameLifespanReign startReign endNotesFamilyImage
Albert(1490-05-17)17 May 1490 – 20 March 1568(1568-03-20) (aged 77)10 April 152520 March 1568Grand Master of Teutonic Knights, granted the title of Duke of PrussiaHohenzollernAlbert, Duke of Prussia
Albert Frederick(1553-05-07)7 May 1553 – 27 August 1618(1618-08-27) (aged 65)20 March 156827 August 1618Son of AlbertHohenzollernAlbert Frederick, Duke of Prussia
John Sigismund(1572-11-08)8 November 1572 – 23 December 1619(1619-12-23) (aged 47)27 August 161823 December 1619Son in law and second cousin thrice removed of Albert Frederick, also Elector of BrandenburgHohenzollernJohn Sigismund, Duke of Prussia
George William(1595-11-13)13 November 1595 – 1 December 1640(1640-12-01) (aged 45)23 December 16191 December 1640Son of John Sigismund, also Elector of BrandenburgHohenzollernGeorge William, Duke of Prussia
Frederick William
  • the Great Elector
(1620-02-16)16 February 1620 – 29 April 1688(1688-04-29) (aged 68)1 December 164029 April 1688Son of George William, also Elector of BrandenburgHohenzollernFrederick William, Duke of Prussia
Frederick I(1657-07-11)11 July 1657 – 25 February 1713(1713-02-25) (aged 55)29 April 168818 January 1701Son of Frederick William, also Elector of BrandenburgHohenzollernFrederick I, Duke of Prussia

Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918)

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NameLifespanReign startReign endNotesFamilyImage
Frederick I
  • the Mercenary King[1]
(1657-07-11)11 July 1657 – 25 February 1713(1713-02-25) (aged 55)18 January 170125 February 1713Son of Frederick William, also Elector of BrandenburgHohenzollernFrederick I of Prussia
Frederick William I
  • the Soldier King
(1688-08-14)14 August 1688 – 31 May 1740(1740-05-31) (aged 51)25 February 171331 May 1740Son of Frederick IHohenzollernFrederick William I of Prussia
Frederick II
  • the Great
(1712-01-24)24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786(1786-08-17) (aged 74)31 May 174017 August 1786Son of Frederick William IHohenzollernFrederick II of Prussia
Frederick William II(1744-09-25)25 September 1744 – 16 November 1797(1797-11-16) (aged 53)17 August 178616 November 1797Nephew of Frederick II, grandson of Frederick William IHohenzollernFrederick William II of Prussia
Frederick William III(1770-08-03)3 August 1770 – 7 June 1840(1840-06-07) (aged 69)16 November 17977 June 1840Son of Frederick William IIHohenzollernFrederick William III of Prussia
Frederick William IV(1795-10-15)15 October 1795 – 2 January 1861(1861-01-02) (aged 65)7 June 18402 January 1861Son of Frederick William III; also President of the Erfurt Union (1849–1850)HohenzollernFrederick William IV of Prussia
William I(1797-03-22)22 March 1797 – 9 March 1888(1888-03-09) (aged 90)2 January 18619 March 1888Brother of Frederick William IV, son of Frederick William III; also President of the North German Confederation (1867–1871) and German Emperor (from 1871)HohenzollernWilhelm I of Prussia
Frederick III(1831-10-18)18 October 1831 – 15 June 1888(1888-06-15) (aged 56)9 March 188815 June 1888Son of Wilhelm I; also German Emperor; only Prussian monarch to rule for less than one yearHohenzollernFrederick III of Prussia
William II(1859-01-27)27 January 1859 – 4 June 1941(1941-06-04) (aged 82)15 June 18889 November 1918
(abdicated)
[2]
Son of Frederick III; also German Emperor; also last King of Prussia and last German EmperorHohenzollernWilliam II of Prussia

Prussian throne pretenders since 1918

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  • Wilhelm II (9 November 1918 – 4 June 1941)
  • Wilhelm, German Crown Prince (4 June 1941 – 20 July 1951)
  • Louis Ferdinand (20 July 1951 – 26 September 1994)
  • George Frederick (26 September 1994 – present)

References

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  1. Spencer, Charles, Blenheim, Chapter 22: Vindication, p.316
  2. Statement of Abdication of William II (28 November 1918)