Alexander Karl, Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg

Carl Alexander, Duke of Anhalt- Bernburg ( born March 2, 1805 in Ballenstedt; † August 19, 1863 at Castle Hoym ) was the last reigning Duke of Anhalt- Bernburg.

Life

Alexander Carl was born on March 2, 1805, the son of Prince Alexius Friedrich Christian and Princess Marie Friederike of Hesse- Kassel in Ballenstedt.

After the death of his father he took over the government on 24 March 1834.

Under Alexander Carls government Bernburg in 1846 finally received via Köthen delayed access to the German railway network after the Duke had already refused the connection six years earlier.

Due to its progressive mental illness, the Duke withdrew to Castle Hoym in November 1855. There he spent the years up to his death under a doctor's care and in the company of his chamberlain, the painter and writer William of Kügelgen.

His wife Princess Friederike of Schleswig -Holstein -Sonderburg- Glücksburg has been appointed as co-regent. Alexander Carl died in 1863 without issue, so therefore the line of Anhalt- Bernburg went out and the country was united to the Duchy of Anhalt government headquarters in Dessau.