Grand Duke Friedrich Maik is the biological grandson of Grand Duke Friedrich Adolf VI zu Strelitz and hence his rightful heir. In this role, the original insignia, such as medals, epaulettes and decorations, are also handed on to him.
Here you can read the words of the last Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Elisabeth zu Strelitz, concerning the recognition.
‘We gather together.
My task of preserving this place is coming to an end.
Finally.
When I was found and discovered last year, I was very grateful.
My time to leave this office was approaching.
Eternities.
I have been and remain steadfast, that is my nature.
The Ascanian nature is in me and engrained in my being.
The legacy of the House of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and my house is now being placed in strong new hands.
Grand Duke Friedrich Maik, your time has now come.
Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Mecklenburg-Strelitz"
Grand Duke Friedrich Maik
Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Duchy of Pomerania
given on 21 June 2021 in Mecklenburg/ Schwerin
‘Let us not think that time flies by...
Everything was planned long in advance ... we did not know
whether it would succeed ... patience is a good counsellor...
Being in being ... truly a gift and an expression of grace.
I see the light, it moves towards us as all that is pure and true finds its way back into us.
May you also have my patience...
My gratitude flows from my heart
Son of the heart, embraced by grace ... light
Blessings for you Maik
I see you and those that belong with you ...
In deepest reverence and love
Your Frederick Adolf VI.
Your courage is unique!!!!
See you soon!!!’
Grand Duke Friedrich Maik
Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Duchy of Pomerania
given on 21 June 2021 in Mecklenburg/ Schwerin
The historical photo opposite shows King Frederick William III and Queen Louise surrounded by their family in Charlottenburg Palace Park. The girl at the bottom left in the foreground is Princess Charlotte among her siblings Prince Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm I), Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm (later King Friedrich Wilhelm IV), Princess Alexandrine and Prince Karl.
The resemblance between the daughter of Grand Duke Friedrich Maik, Ella, and Princess Charlotte is astonishing and impossible to ignore. A similarity like this is no coincidence and only occurs in families who share DNA.
The photos show Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich VI, Friedrich Maik's grandfather. The Grand Duke was only 36 years old. He was considered one of the most eligible and wealthy bachelors of his era. Today's Grand Duke Friedrich Maik is the descendent of one of the Grand Duke's love affairs in the B line, as there were no other descendants to assume the title.
The body of Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich VI was found with a gunshot wound in the Kammerkanal in Neustrelitz on 24 February 1918. There are various theories surrounding his death. But the exact circumstances have remained ambiguous to this day.
Here, too, the resemblance between the son of Grand Duke Friedrich Maik Maddox and his great-grandfather is extremely striking.
