I think Queen Louise’s influence during the Napoleonic Wars really can’t be understated. After the defeat at Auerstadt and Jena, it was her leadership and unwavering optimism that kept the morale of the Prussian people intact. Her private actions—like staying by her husband’s side and working behind the scenes—were just as important as her public actions. She took on a role similar to that of a mother figure for the entire nation, comforting her people with the belief that they could recover.
An example that stands out is the way she actively interacted with the common people, even in the midst of the crisis. There’s one famous instance where she visited the wounded soldiers and helped distribute supplies to the families of those who had died. These acts of personal kindness were not just about charity—they were about demonstrating that, even in the face of national disaster, the monarchy was still working for the good of the people. Her ability to connect with the public on such a human level really inspired a sense of unity and pride.