Princess Ida of Schaumburg-Lippe


Princess Ida Matilda Adelaide of Schaumburg-Lippe was the consort of Heinrich XXII, Prince Reuss of Greiz from 1872 until her death. She was the mother of Hermine Reuss of Greiz, second wife of Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor.

Family and early life

She was a daughter of Adolf I, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe and his wife Princess Hermine of Waldeck and Pyrmont. Her siblings included Georg, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe and Prince Adolf of Schaumburg-Lippe, husband of Princess Viktoria of Prussia.
Despite their high birth, Ida and her siblings were brought up very simply; one report said they "knew more about the kitchen than many women of lower degree". Ida was also well educated, and was able to hold her own in discussions about philosophy and science with the learned men in her principality.

Marriage and issue

On 8 October 1872, Ida married Heinrich XXII, the reigning sovereign Prince of Reuss since he came of age in 1867. Consequently, Ida became his consort and was subsequently referred to as Her Serene Highness The Princess Reuss of Greiz.
They had the following children:
Ida died on 28 September 1891, at the age of 39 at Schleiz.

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