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Mecklenburg-Strelitz was a duchy and later grand duchy in northern Germany, roughly consisting of the present day district of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (the historical Stargarder Land), bordering areas of modern-day Brandenburg with the town of Fürstenberg and the area around Ratzeburg in modern Schleswig-Holstein.
History
It was established in 1701, roughly on the territory of the former duchy of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. The capital was Neustrelitz. In 1808, the duchy joined the Confederation of the Rhine. The Congress of Vienna recognized it as a grand duchy and member of the German Confederation. Mecklenburg-Strelitz joined the North German Confederation in 1867, and became a part of the German Empire in 1871. On January 1, 1934 it was united with the neighbouring state of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to form the State of Mecklenburg (today part of the Bundesland Mecklenburg-Vorpommern).
The US county Mecklenburg (Charlotte, North Carolina) is named after Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Strelitz-born Princess Charlotte (queen consort of King George III of the United Kingdom). The flower Strelitzia ("Bird of Paradise") also is in honor of her home country. Queen Luise of Prussia also was a born princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
The lingering end of the ruling family of Mecklenburg-Strelitz occurred just prior to the loss of actual monarchy in developments of First World War — at that time, there existed only two surviving recognized male dynasts of Strelitz, the young Grand Duke Adolf Frederick VI and his cousin Duke Charles Michael who was in Russian service, being a son of a grand duchess. In 1914 after the death of Grand Duke Adolf Frederick VI and before the proclamation of war between Germany and Russia, Duke Charles Michael renounced his Mecklenburgish citizenship. On 23 February 1918, Grand Duke Adolf Frederick VI committed suicide, leaving his cousin Charles Michael as heir to the Strelitz throne. Charles Michael however being in Russia did not assume the throne and in 1918 wrote to Grand Duke Frederick Francis IV of Mecklenburg-Schwerin who was acting as regent in Strelitz, that he wished to renounce his rights of succession to Strelitz though the letter was only received by Frederick Francis in 1919 after the end of German monarchies so the issue of succession could not be resolved in time.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz (yellow), 1866-1934.
The House of Mecklenburg-Strelitz survives to his day descending from Duke George of Mecklenburg (former Count of Carlow), who was the morganatic nephew (son of Duke George Alexander and Countess Natalia Carlow) of Duke Charles Michael. Duke Charles Michael adopted his nephew George in 1928 with George subsequently assuming the title Duke of Mecklenburg (Serene Highness) which was recognised by Grand Duke Frederick Francis IV. He was later given the style of Highness by the House of Mecklenburg-Schewrin. George's grandson George Borwin, Duke of Mecklenburg is the present head of the House of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, 1701-1815
Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, 1815-1918
Heads of the House post-monarchy
Heir: Duke Alexander of Mecklenburg (born 1991)
See also
External links
 States of the German Empire (1871–1918) |
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