Tsar Alexander I and King Frederick William III sail to England (1814)

In June 1814, Tsar Alexander I of Russia and King Frederick William III of Prussia sailed from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Dover aboard HMS Impregnable. This voyage marked the beginning of their visit to England as guests of George, Prince of Wales, the regent for King George III. The event occurred shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, with the ship serving as the flagship of the Admiral the Duke of Clarence.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Tsar Alexander I, Emperor of Russia since 1801, and King Frederick William III, who ruled Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars, were key figures in the Sixth Coalition. Following the defeat of Napoleon, these Allied sovereigns traveled to England. The voyage took place in June 1814, shortly after the campaign in Germany ended in 1813 and the Coalition forces entered France in January 1814.

The Voyage. HMS Impregnable served as the flagship for the Admiral the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV. On 6 June 1814, the ship conveyed Tsar Alexander I and King Frederick William III from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Dover. The monarchs traveled as guests of George, Prince of Wales, who acted as regent during the incapacity of King George III.

Political Context. Frederick William III had reluctantly joined the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon in 1813, turning against France after the defeat in Russia. Prussian troops played a crucial part in the Allied victories in 1813 and 1814. The king traveled with the main army alongside Alexander of Russia and Francis of Austria during the campaign.

People involved

Sources

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