His lands were consequently confiscated and passed to other princes who were less scrupulous.
The family has given two Ministers President to Prussia, a General in chief command of the Prussian army, a Chancellor to the German Empire, and one of the most distinguished of modern military writers.

They held, besides their extensive possessions in Wuertemberg and Bavaria, the County of Gleichen in Saxe-Coburg.
[Pageheading: FAMILY CONNECTIONS] It will be seen therefore that the Queen was intimately connected with all classes that are to be found among the ruling families of Germany, though naturally with the Catholic families, which looked to Austria and Bavaria for guidance, she had no close ties.

But it must be borne in mind that her connection with Germany always remained a personal and family matter, and not a political one; this was the fortunate result of the predominance of the Coburg influence.

Had that of the House of Hanover been supreme, it could hardly have been possible for the Queen not to have been drawn into the opposition to the unification of Germany by Prussia, in which the House of Hanover was bound to take a leading part, in virtue of its position, wealth, and dignity.
It will be as well here to mention the principal reigning families of Europe to which Queen Victoria was closely allied through her mother.
The Duchess of Kent's eldest brother, Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, was the father of Albert, Prince Consort.

Her sister was the wife of Alexander, Duke of Wuertemberg.