Sophie of Württemberg
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Sophia Frederika Mathilde van Württemberg (17 June 1818 – 3 June 1877) was the first wife of King William III of the Netherlands.
She was born in Stuttgart, her parents were King William I of Württemberg and Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, the fourth eldest daughter of Tsar Paul I. Sophie and William (as her and William’s mother Queen Anna Paulowna were sisters) are first cousin. Shortly after Sophie’s birth, her mother died, and she was cared for by her aunt, Catharina of Württemberg.
Prior to her marriage, King Otto of Greece and Duke William of Brunswick were possible suitors for Princess Sophie. Political complications put a stop to the engagement with the first because Sophie's father had no confidence in the newly established Greek monarchy. Change prevented a proposal by the scond candidate because it was rumored that Sophie had already been bethored.
She married the Prince of Orange (later King William III) on 18 June 1839 in Stuttgart. The couple returned to the Netherlands and established themselves in Noordeinde Palace and had three children:
- Willem Nicolaas Alexander Frederik Karel Hendrik (1840-1879), from 1849 Prince of Orange
- Willem Frederik Maurits Alexander Hendrik Karel (1843-1850)
- Willem Alexander Karel Hendrik Frederik (1851-1884), crown prince after the death of his brother to his own death.
In intellectual respects, Sophie was by far the superior of her husband. Moreover, William III has several extramarital relations. She let it be publicly known that she found him inferior and not suitable and the marriage were thus not a success. For this reason Sophie tried to separate from him. With an importance placed on the country and royal duty, this was refused. From 1855 the couple lived separately. Sophie died at Huis ten Bosch near the Hague.
Queen Sophie corresponded with several European scientists and maintained warm links with Emperor Napoleon III and Queen Victoria. She supported several charities, including animal protection and construction of public parks.
