Princess Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1888–1913)

Princess Sophie Auguste Marie Luise Eleonore of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (Weimar, 25 July 1888 – Heinrichau, 18 September 1913) was a German princess, the eldest child and only daughter of Wilhelm Ernst, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and Princess Gerta of Isenburg-Büdingen-Wächtersbach.

Early Life and Family:

Sophie was born into the ruling family of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, a small but historically significant duchy within the German Empire. Her father, Wilhelm Ernst, was the Grand Duke, a position he inherited in 1901. Her mother, Gerta, was a princess from a mediatized family. Sophie had one younger brother, Prince Carl August, who became Hereditary Grand Duke.

Marriage:

On 7 January 1910, in Weimar, Sophie married Prince Heinrich XXXVII Reuss zu Köstritz, a member of a junior branch of the House of Reuss. The marriage was considered a suitable match, uniting two noble German families. Prince Heinrich XXXVII was a career soldier.

Death:

Tragically, Princess Sophie died on 18 September 1913, at Heinrichau (today Henryków), Silesia, aged only 25. The cause of death was reportedly complications following childbirth. She had given birth to two sons, Prince Heinrich II and Prince Heinrich V.

Issue:

Princess Sophie and Prince Heinrich XXXVII had two sons:

• Prince Heinrich II Reuss zu Köstritz (31 October 1910 – 26 November 1916), died in childhood.
• Prince Heinrich V Reuss zu Köstritz (26 May 1912 – 16 August 1983)

Titles and Styles:

• Her Highness Princess Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
• Her Highness Princess Heinrich XXXVII Reuss zu Köstritz (by marriage)