… into royal families from all over the world. Maximillan was the 7th child of Napoleon’s step-son Eugene, and the 2nd son of that family, but he became the 3rd Duke of Leuchtenberg because his brother died before he did.
His most notable achievement was marrying the eldest daughter of Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia – a huge political match to unite the countries.
Maximillan was granted by Czar Nicholas the title of “His Imperial Highness”.
(photo: Maria Nikolayevna of Russia and Max, step-grandson of Napoleon 1st and heir to the thrown that wouldn’t happen)
