Queen Louise of Prussia was definitely a key figure during the Napoleonic Wars, especially after the crushing defeats at Auerstadt and Jena. She really became the heart of national pride during a time when things seemed bleak. Publicly, her presence was a symbol of strength—she was calm and dignified even when the situation was grim. Her public speeches and interactions with her people showed them that even though they’d suffered a major defeat, they could still maintain their dignity and fight for the future.
Privately, Queen Louise supported her husband, King Frederick William III, in making difficult decisions, and she also worked hard behind the scenes to keep morale high. She visited soldiers in the field, trying to comfort them and keep their spirits up. One of the most powerful examples of her influence was her letter to her husband after their loss at Jena, where she urged him to remain strong for the sake of the people. Her ability to remain a beacon of hope in such dark times made her an incredibly powerful figure in shaping the resilience of the Prussian people.