Record

CodeDS/UK/3062
Nameof Schleswig-Holstein; Marie Louise (12 August 1872-8 December 1956); Her Highness Princess; British Royal family
Variations of NameFranziska Josepha Louise Augusta Marie Christina Helena; Princess Aribert of Anhalt
Dates12 August 1872-8 December 1956
GenderFemale
Place of Birth/OriginCumberland Lodge, Old Windsor, Berkshire, England (born)
RelationshipsGranddaughter of Queen Victoria
Spouse of Prince Aribert of Anhalt
BiographyPrincess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein VA, CI, GCVO, GBE, RRC was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

In1891, Princess Marie Louise married Prince Aribert of Anhalt. Though contemporary sources did not directly suggest it was a cause of his marriage dissolution, a number of contemporaries and subsequent historical accounts suggest Aribert was bisexual or homosexual, and some have suggested an indiscretion with a male attendant was the catalyst for the dissolution and that the marriage had never been consummated. The marriage was annulled in 1900.

After the annulment, Princess Marie Louise devoted herself to charitable organisations and patronage of the arts. She inspired the creation of Queen Mary's Dolls' House to showcase the work of British craftsmen. She established the Girl's Club in Bermondsey that served as a hospital during World War I. She was also active in the work of the Princess Christian Nursing Home at Windsor. She took part in all official occasions of the royal family, including coronations and funerals and processed as a princess of the blood royal at events such as the coronation of George VI and the carriage procession for princesses of the blood royal at the coronation of Elizabeth II.

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