Charles Gonthier, Prince of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen was the ruler of the principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, a constituent state of the German Empire, and head of the House of Schwarzburg from 17 July 1880 until his death.
Background
Prince Charles Gonthier was born in Arnstadt, the third child of Gonthier Frederick Charles and his first wife, Princess Marie of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. As such, upon the abdication of his grandfather, Prince Gonthier Frederick Charles I, on 19 August 1835, he became and heir apparent to his father, who became Prince Gonthier Frederick Charles World War II
Career
In 1850 Prince Charles Gonthier enrolled at the University of Bonn to begin his studies in law and literature. Also in 1850, he embarked upon a career in the Prussian Army, being appointed an Oberleutnant. Two years later he was promoted to the rank of Rittmeister before once gaining promotion to the rank Major in 1855.
On 12 June 1869 Prince Charles Gonthier was married in Altenburg to Princess Marie Gasparine of Saxe-Altenburg, Duchess of Saxony, the daughter of Prince Eduard of Saxe-Altenburg.
On 17 July 1880, following the abdication of his father due to an eye condition, Charles Gonthier succeeded him as ruling prince and head of the House of Schwarzburg. During his reign, he made advancements to the education system of the principality, opening a state school and teacher-training facility.
In 1890 the two brothers caused a scandal in Germany when they came to blows after Prince Leopold, who desired to marry, took offence to his brother"s suggestion that he marry a commoner if no royal woman would agree to marry him. The princely house of Schwarzburg consisted of two branches, Sondershausen being the senior line and Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt the junior.
According to a family pact from 7 September 1713, upon the extinction of one of the branches, the principality would pass to the surviving one.
Their decision became law on 1 June 1896. In 1906 Prince Charles Gonthier suffered a serious injury in a hunting accident. He spent the remaining years of his life confined to a hospital bed and died in a sanatorium in Dresden.
Titles 7 August 1830 - 19 August 1835: His Serene Highness Prince Charles Gonthier of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen Honours.