Ernest II was Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 29 January 1844 to his death in 1893. He was born in Coburg to Ernest III, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. His father became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (as Ernest I) in 1826 through an exchange of territories.
In 1842, Ernest married Princess Alexandrine of Baden in what was to be a childless marriage. Two years later, he became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha when his father died. Ernest supported the German Confederation in the Schleswig-Holstein Wars against Denmark, sending thousands of troops and becoming the commander of a German corps; he was instrumental in the 1849 victory at the battle of Eckernförde against Danish forces. After King Otto of Greece was deposed in 1862, the British government put Ernest's name forward as a possible successor. Negotiations concerning this failed for various reasons—not least of which was that he would not give up his beloved duchies in favor of the Greek throne.
A supporter of a unified Germany, Ernest watched the various political movements with great interest. While he initially was a great and outspoken proponent of German liberalism, he surprised many by switching sides and supporting the more conservative (and eventually victorious) Prussians during the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars and subsequent unification of Germany. His support of the conservatives came at a price however, and he was no longer viewed as the possible leader of a political movement. According to historian Charlotte Zeepvat, Ernest became "increasingly lost in a whirl of private amusements which earned only contempt from outside".
Ernest and his only full sibling, his younger brother Prince Albert (consort to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom), were raised as though twins. They became closer upon the separation and divorce of their parents as well as the eventual death of their mother. Their relationship experienced phases of closeness as well as minor arguments as they grew older. After Albert's death in 1861, Ernest published anonymous pamphlets against various members of the British royal family. However, he accepted Albert's second son, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, as his heir-presumptive. Upon Ernest's death at Reinhardsbrunn, Alfred succeeded to the ducal throne.
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Some of their strengths
Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Altruistic, Extroverted, Charming, Energetic, Intelligent, Passionate, and Analytical.
Charming and Quick-witted
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II is someone who is a charming, quick-witted, and energetic person who combines passion and intelligence with an ability to feel what others are feeling and to effectively communicate with them. A person who defines themself by their friends and what groups they belong to.
Soulful and Intuitive
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II well know them as someone who can be graceful, romantic, and reserved, like gentle rain.
Imaginative and Sentimental
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II as someone who is imaginative, sentimental, and in touch with emotions.
A person who has extremely good memory and analytical skills, likes to make sure that everyone gets along, enjoys all kinds of situations and people, has a talent for travel and languages, and who makes lifelong friends.
Vigorous and Friendly
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II is someone who has a vigor and energy that applies itself to all life's activities and endeavors, and a knack for forming family-like structures, groups, and communities.
They are also someone who is balanced, organized, and in-charge, and who loves traveling, working hard, and figuring out the patterns of things.
Logical and Reasonable
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II tends to be someone who is understanding, logical, and reasonable. Who can be intellectual and intuitive, speak the truth at any cost, be witty and sociable, and live life to its fullest.
Some of Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II's challenges
While Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II can be Rebellious, Arrogant, Hypocritical, Self-centered, Emotionally Distant, Status-seeking, and Irritable.
Hypocritical and Self-centered
One of Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II's key challenges is that they are someone who can be perceived as hypocritical and self-centered.
Irritable and Moody
Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II is someone who can be irritable and moody, have a tendency to experience self-doubt, be too secretive, can take too many risks, and who can have an extreme approach to managing personal finances.
Indecisive and Distracted
Finally, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Ernst II also can have a hard time staying focused and can easily become restless.
