In 1814, Europe's eyes were on Vienna. Those with a title and rank at the Congress of Vienna attended the many social occasions and gossiped. Love affairs between famous people such as Katharina and Wilhelm were of particular interest.
Katharina met Wilhelm on her travels.
After the death of her first husband, Grand Duchess Katharina Pawlowna traveled across Europe. In the spring of 1814, while in England, she crossed paths with the then married Crown Prince Wilhelm von Württemberg. Within a short time, an intimate relationship developed between them.
Wilhelm impressed the young grand duchess.
At the Congress of Vienna, held between September 1814 and June 1815, approximately 200 states and sovereigns negotiated the reorganization of Europe following Napoleon's defeat. The Russian grand duchess's presence, appearance and witty demeanor aroused a great deal of attention. It was rumored that Grand Duchess Maria Pawlowna had won every heart, but Grand Duchess Katharina took them by storm.
Relations between Katharina and the Crown Prince of Württemberg became more and more intense over the course of the Congress. There was much speculation about the lovers' future. There was even talk of an imperial German crown. Historian Heinrich von Treitschke surmised: "...a new age would dawn in Germany, originating from the Stuttgart court." The gossip about Katharina and Wilhelm was also visibly amusing to Congress participants.
Katharina and Wilhelm were a hot topic and the source of much speculation.
The sepulchral chapel is a reminder of the couple's love for each other.
Katharina and Wilhelm were seen strolling through Vienna's Prater in the evening hours, quite in love, or promenading in the park. They are also supposed to have gone on several sleigh rides. At a grand celebration in honor of Katharina's name day, Wilhelm presented her with the first prize from a raffle. The grand duchess and the crown prince were considered the dream couple of the Congress of Vienna and it was assumed that a wedding was imminent. In 1816, after the dissolution of Wilhelm's marriage, the time had finally come.
