In the early days of the United States, most nations were governed by monarchs. Some influential figures from the Revolutionary War believed that adopting a monarchical system would benefit America too. Prince Henry of Prussia was the candidate proposed for this role.
Prince Henry of Prussia’s upbringing
Prince Henry of Prussia was born on January 18, 1726 in Berlin to King Frederick William I of Prussia and Princess Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. Unfortunately for Henry, he was the 13th child, leaving him well down in the line of succession. Still, the young prince had an incredibly privileged upbringing.
In 1740, when Henry was 14 years old, his father passed away, after 27 years on the throne. Frederick II (better known as Frederick the Great) stepped in as his successor, and Henry was given a whole new set of responsibilities.
The brothers didn’t see eye to eye
Prince Henry of Prussia and King Frederick II were fierce rivals. While the two shared similar interests in the arts and literature, and each proved themselves to be exemplary military leaders, there was also resentment on Henry’s part, given Frederick II had become king at only 28 years old.
Upon becoming king, Frederick II made Henry a colonel in the 35th Infanterieregiment. As a teenager, he served in both the First and Second Silesian Wars against the Hapsburgs and the Saxons, gaining valuable experience. This paid off during the Third Silesian War, where he served as a general.
Marriage and continued success
In 1752, Prince Henry of Prussia married Princess Wilhelmina of Hesse-Kassel. The couple received Rheinsberg Palace as a gift and relocated there the same year. They did not have any children, as Henry was attracted to men and had numerous affairs. He had a notable relationship with Christian Ludwig von Kaphengst, to whom he gifted an estate near Rheinsberg.
On the battlefield, Henry continued to achieve success. He made a name for himself during the Third Silesian War by securing a victory at the Battle of Prague. As he gained more experience in combat, he began to question his brother’s tactics, advising Frederick II to cease attacking the combined Russian-Austrian forces at the Battle of Kunersdorf. Ultimately, Henry’s advice proved correct, as the engagement resulted in the complete destruction of the Prussian Army.
In 1762, Henry achieved his most famous victory at the Battle of Freiberg. The final confrontation between the Prussian and Austrian forces led to subsequent peace negotiations.
Diplomatic career and the Prussian Scheme
Following his time in the military, Prince Henry of Prussia became a successful politician known for his shrewdness. During his diplomatic career, he took part in the War of the Bavarian Succession and the First Partition of Poland. He was eager to become a king and twice tried to take the crown in Poland. However, both attempts were shot down by Frederick II.
In 1786, Henry became involved in the “Prussian Scheme.” At the time, the United States had a good relationship with Prussia, partially due to Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian-born military man who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He’s credited with whipping the American forces into shape, after being approached by Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. His drill sergeant tactics proved to be incredibly effective.
It’s alleged either von Steuben or Founding Father and then-President of the Continental Congress Nathaniel Gorham offered Henry the opportunity to become King of the United States. The country was facing a monetary crisis, leading the Founding Fathers to question whether the country should be a republic – maybe it would be better to set up a monarchy, under the rule of Henry.
For many years, historians believed this to be a rumor, but a letter from Henry to von Steuben found in the 20th century essentially confirmed the story. In it, Henry, though eager to become a king, wrote that he didn’t believe Americans would submit to monarchical rule and subsequently declined the offer.
Prince Henry of Prussia’s later life
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The same year the Prussian Scheme occurred, Frederick II passed away and was succeeded by his son, King Frederick William II. Under the new monarch, Prince Henry of Prussia became an adviser. Frederick William II, however, died in 1797 and was replaced by Henry’s great nephew, King Frederick William III.
The prince had far more influence over Prussia’s new leader. He continued in his role as an adviser and held the position until his death in August 1802, at the age of 76.