Friday, August 12, 2011

Empress Friedrich's body taken to Potsdam

August 12, 1901


The body of Dowager Empress Friedrich "was removed by torchlight tonight from the church" at Kronberg to the railway station for the final journey to Potsdam, reports the New York Times.

Twelve non-commissioned officers carried the coffin from the church.   Following the coffin were two of the late Empress' children, Crown Princess Sophie of Greece and Princess Friedrich Karl of Hesse and their husbands, and court officials. 

Kaiser Wilhelm II gave a special command that allowed the residents of Kronberg to enter the small Protestant church and pay their respects.  Almost all "had reason to remember personally the Dowager Empress' charities and kindness"   Some wept.  Others offered "expressions of deep regret."

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