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Back to Podcast EpisodesKing Ludwig II of Bavaria, A Beautiful Madness
King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a Beautiful Madness
Wonderful Atlantic Monthly Photo Essay on Ludwig II
Ludwig II was born on August 25, 1845. His father, Maximillian, was then the Crown Prince of Bavaria. His grandfather, Ludwig I, was the King of Bavaria and a member of the House of Wittlesbach, the ruling dynasty that had governed the Kingdom of Bavaria, for over six hundred years.
Upon Maximilian’s death, Ludwig became Ludwig II at the age of eighteen. His childhood had not been particularly happy, raised by governesses and without interaction with or affection from either of his parents, he spent much of his time in emotional isolation. He also developed a hostility toward his younger brother Otto, feeling that because he was the heir and expected to reign eventually as the king, he was held to a much higher standard.
Unfortunately, Ludwig immediately had misgivings and began to realize that moving forward with the marriage would be a disaster. Publicly, he initially attempted to maintain an appropriate veneer of enthusiasm and affection, privately the courtship featured nothing more than an occasional furtive kiss on the brow. Ludwig spent much of the summer arriving at Sophie’s family’s palace at Possenhoven at all hours of the night where the couple would engage in awkward small talk and interact without any real passion. By the end of the summer and the impending August wedding date, Ludwig decided to postpone the event. His explanation was that the wedding would be rescheduled for October 12, the anniversary date of his grandfather, Ludwig I, and father, Max II. But when Ludwig also cancelled the wedding on this date, Sophie’s parents demanded that he either set a permanent date or call it off for good. Ludwig chose to characterize this demand as impertinent and informed Sophie that as a result, the engagement was officially ended.
Published on 10 years, 2 months ago