Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen became Queen of the United Kingdom when she was crowned with her husband William IV on September 8, 1831. Born in Germany, she married William in 1818 when she was 25 and he was 52. Their marriage was happy despite the age difference.
Adelaide faced personal tragedy – she lost two daughters in infancy and suffered several miscarriages. She never had children who survived to adulthood. This meant William’s niece Victoria would become queen after him. Adelaide was known for her simple tastes and charitable nature. She avoided politics and focused on good works. She was especially kind to William’s ten illegitimate children from his previous relationship, treating them as her own.
Adelaide supported many charities, especially those helping poor mothers and children. After William died in 1837, she lived quietly as Queen Dowager. She remained close to her niece Queen Victoria. Adelaide died in 1849. The Australian city of Adelaide was named in her honor while she was queen.