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Ulrike Eleonora, the youngest sister - and eventual successor - of King Carl XII of Sweden - was married at the comparatively late age (for the times) of 27, to the widowed Frederick of Hesse-Kassel. What was on her side a love match, was one of cold, calculating political strategy on his.

Either way, Ulrike fell pregnant nearly right off the bat, conceiving in 1715 and then again in 1718, and reportedly, she had not yet given up hope of a child before 1724.

Unfortunately, both pregnancies ended in miscarriages, but suppose that one or both had carried to term, what might the results for Sweden's future be? Obviously a personal-union with Hesse-Kassel would most likely be maintained a la Hannover or a la Saxony. But how might Sweden progress through the Age of Enlightenment - or the Age of Liberty (since Ulrike gave into many concessions from the Estates to secure her choice as her brother's heir). And would Ulrike still abdicate in favor of her husband? Or does she hang on until one of her children are old enough to assume power without a regency?

Thoughts and opinions?
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