Frederick-Charles

Frederick-Charles, a Prussian prince, nicknamed the 'Red Prince' from the colour of his favourite hussar uniform, was born in Berlin, 20th March 1828, the eldest son of Prince Charles, who was a brother of the Emperor William I. Frederick-Charles was educated for the army, and served in the first Sleswick-Holstein war, commanded the right wing in the second Danish war, and in 1866, in the campaign against Austria, won the great victory of Königgrätz. In the Franco-Prussian war he commanded the second army, drove Bazaine back to Metz, and on the 27th October received the capitulation of that fortress (see BAZAINE). He was made a field-marshal next day, captured Orleans, broke up the army of the Loire, and scattered Chanzy's portion of it at Le Mans. This was his last action, for Paris capitulated immedi- ately after. One of the ablest of Prussian generals, he added to his active service successful labours to reform and render more elastic the military system of the army. He died 15th June 1885.—In March 1879 his third daughter, Louise Margaret, was married to the Duke of Connaught.