Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

duchy, Germany

Also known as: Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha

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July 13, 2026

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The Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was one of several former states in Germany ruled by members of the Ernestine branch of the House of Wettin. This dynasty accumulated possessions in Thuringia from the 13th century onward. The Ernestine duchies originated in 1485 when the electorate of Saxony was divided.1

The Saxe-Coburg-Gotha branch became notably connected to European royalty in the 19th and 20th centuries. A member became the first king of Belgium, another became Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria of Great Britain, and a third became prince of Bulgaria. In 1918, all Ernestine rulers abdicated, and their former lands were merged into the new state of Thuringia, with the exception of Coburg, which joined Bavaria.1

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Saxon duchies
…of Saxe-Altenburg (Sachsen-Altenburg); and the duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha). The territories of the duchies were fragmented, and in the same area there were several exclaves of Prussian and other territories. Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen sided with Austria in the Seven Weeks’ War (1866); the other duchies with victorious Prussia. All joined…
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…of Saxe-Altenburg (Sachsen-Altenburg); and the duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha). The territories of the duchies were fragmented, and in the same area there were several exclaves of Prussian and other territories. Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen sided with Austria in the Seven Weeks’ War (1866); the other duchies with victorious Prussia. All joined…
Read More