If George III of the United Kingdom had died in infancy, as many predicted he would following his premature birth, Friedrich William would have eventually succeeded to the throne of the United Kingdom, through the line of his grandmother, Princess Pauline of Württemberg, who was descended from Princess Augusta (George III"s sister) and her eldest daughter, Princess Augusta of Württemberg.
He was the titular from 1945 until his death. Via the "Arnold Georg AG" and the "AG für Steinindustrie" (both headquartered in Neuwied, Germany) Friedrich Wilhelm invested successfully part of his inherited wealth in a diverse range of industries. Furthermore he owned 5,500 hectares (13,590 acres) of forest and 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of farmland near his hometown of Neuwied (Germany).
In addition he bought 25,000 hectares (61,775 acres) of forest in British Columbia (Canada).
In 1974 he established the "Beaumont Timber Company" (Salmo (British Columbia)) to manage his Canadian forest interests. lieutenant is now one of the largest private timberland owners in British Columbia.
(Frederick William"s eldest son, Prince Alexander, renounced the title on 4 October 2000) 2 June 1931 – 18 June 1945: His Serene Highness Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Wied 18 June 1945 – 28 August 2000: His Serene Highness The.
