Royal Profile: Princess Hilda of Nassau, Grand Duchess of Baden


Hilda of Nassau was born on November 5, 1864, the fifth child and fourth daughter of Grand Duke Adolphe of Luxembourg and Princess Adelheid-Marie of Anhalt-Dessau.

Hilda married Frederick II, Grand Duke of Baden on September 20, 1885 at Schloss Hohenburg. The marriage, however, was without any surviving children. In 1917, Frederick succeeded as Grand 
Duke of Baden and Hilda became his Grand Duchess.

Hilda was hailed as an intelligent lady and was known as a staunch patron of art, frequenting art-exhibitions and museums. In fact, many streets and schools in Nassau bore her name, such as  Hilda-Gymnasium in Pforzheim, Hilda-Gymnasium in Koblenz, and the streets north- and south Hilda Promenade in Karlsruhe.

Misfortune befell Frederick and Hilda after the disastrous defeat of Germany in World War I.  As what was the fate of other German monarchies, the grand ducal couple lost their throne and their wealth.   In 1919, the couple transferred their residence to Mainau. Despite this, Hilda managed to show off her sunny disposition. Her cheerful character and sense of humor enabled her to ease things up. When her husband’s health weakened, she took care of him until his passing.

Since they were childless, their castle in Mainau was passed on to Fredrick's only sister's grandson, Count Lennart Bernadotte, who was also related to Hilda.  The cheerful grand duchess died on February 8, 1952. 

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