2 January 1861 William I became King of Prussia
On 2 January 1861, Frederick William IV of Prussia died and his brother William (in German: Wilhelm) ascended the throne as William I of Prussia. This important event marked a total change in his life as he wasn't expected to reign over Prussia. Family William Frederick Louis of Prussia (Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig von Preussen) was born on 22 March 1797 in the Kronprinzenpalais in Berlin. His parents were Prince Frederick William and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. His paternal grandparents were King Frederick William II of Prussia and Frederica of Hesse-Darmstadt. His maternal grandparents were Charles II Grand Duke of Mecklengburg- Strelitz and Princess Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt. William (Wilhelm) was thus a member of the royal house of Hohenzollern. He would have several siblings but one sister Charlotte, became Empress of Russia. Early life In 1797, his father Frederick William III became King of Prussia. William was educated from 1801 t