Leopold I.

Leopold I., king of the Belgians, son of Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and uncle of Queen Victoria, was born at Coburg on 16th December 1790. After receiving an excellent literary and scientific education, he became a general in the Russian army, and was present at the battles of Lützen, Bautzen, and Leipzig. Whilst on a visit to England after the peace of 1815 he won the affections of the Princess Charlotte (q.v.), the heiress of the throne, married her, and was naturalised by act of parliament in 1816. The princess died in 1817; and Leopold twelve years later married morganatically Caroline Bauer (q.v.). He received in February 1830 the offer of the crown of Greece, accepted it under conditions, but abdicated in May. In June 1831 he was elected king of the Belgians, and crowned at Brussels 21st July. As a monarch he conducted himself with great prudence, firmness, and moderation, with constant regard to the principles of the Belgian constitution. He died 10th December 1865, and was succeeded by his son, Leopold II. See BELGIUM, CONGO.