In May 1779, Frederick did not survive the spring after all.
On May 23, Frederick summoned the nobles for the last time in Sanssouci Palace, and Buell announced his last edict: to pass the throne of the King of Prussia to His Royal Highness Crown Prince William, and all ministers assisted him wholeheartedly.
Then, in the early hours of the next day, Frederick finished his last breakfast and passed away with a smile.
Little William once again felt that history had deviated from its original trajectory. According to the original history, Frederick died in 1786, but now it was seven years earlier.
The news of Frederick's death was announced by the royal family to the whole of Prussia, and the people of Prussia were immersed in sorrow. Although Prussia participated in large and small wars during the decades of Frederick's reign, the pressure on the people's lives increased.
Although generally poor, Prussia's territory and population grew explosively. Under the leadership of Frederick, Prussia was able to make its own voice in Europe.
When European countries learned of Frederick's death, Britain's George III said to his ministers: We have lost a reliable ally and a respected king.
Empress Catherine II of Russia said to her favorite: This is a respectable opponent and a formidable king.
There were two voices in the Austrian court. One was the old ministers represented by Queen Theresa, who were both sad and relieved about Frederick's death. The other was represented by Joseph II.
The new forces were ecstatic that Prussia was not a threat.
King Louis XVI of France was not happy or angry after hearing the news of Frederick's death. He focused all his energy on making locks.
Various European countries sent envoys to Prussia to mourn Frederick.
On June 1, 1779, Frederick's funeral was held in the Cathedral of Potsdam. Potsdam was filled with sadness that day, and residents spontaneously put on black clothes and gathered quietly outside the cathedral.
William and Prince Henry sat in a carriage, followed closely by William's family and nobles of all sizes.
After getting off the carriage, William stood at the front of the crowd. He looked at the Prussian people standing outside the cathedral and walked into the church first.
In the church, Frederick's coffin was placed in the center. Under the auspices of a priest, a priest was washing Frederick's body. The religious meaning was to wash away the sins of his life and go to see God cleanly.
When the nobles entered the church and sat down, the priest began to introduce the life of Frederick and pray for him, while William led the nobles to pray together.
Louise and William's sisters, as well as some of the ladies present, were silently weeping or sobbing.
After the prayer, the priest covered Frederick's coffin with a velvet cover and sent it to the royal cemetery outside Potsdam.
William followed Frederick's coffin meaninglessly. He felt a little confused about his future, but just the next second, William became determined again.
In the cemetery, after Frederick's coffin was buried, William looked at everyone present but said nothing. Under the glance of his eyes, these nobles all lowered their proud heads.
After William glanced around, he got on the carriage without saying a word. He called Rocks in and said:
"Your Majesty the Duke, please help me monitor these people. If there is anything unusual, please report it to me in time."
"Yes, Your Majesty, no, Your Majesty, I will fulfill my duty," Rocks said respectfully.
"It's better to call you Your Majesty now. I haven't been crowned yet. It won't be too late to call Your Majesty after I'm crowned." William said cautiously.
"Yes, Your Highness" Rocks replied
William returned to Sanssouci Palace. Black veils were decorated everywhere in the palace, making the whole Sanssouci Palace a little more solemn.
After William came back, he went to the study. He knew that no matter how sad he was, he had to control his emotions. From now on, the whole of Prussia would rotate according to his will.
Louise led Charlotte and Christine to the study, and saw William struggling with these documents.
"William, go and take a rest. Just let the ministers handle some minor matters," Louise said distressedly.
"Mother, I have to make decisions on these things. Now that His Majesty has just passed away, our external environment is really not very good. I must go all out to deal with domestic affairs and convince all Prussians." William heard Louise
Then he replied without raising his head.
"Brother, stop being busy, let's go out and play." Christine didn't even look at William, so she ran to William's side and said coquettishly.
"You, go play with your sister and younger brothers and sisters first, and then I will come to you after I have settled the matter, okay?" William raised his head and looked at his sister and said dotingly.
"Stop making trouble, Christine, let's go, let your brother handle the matter, and we'll wait for him to come over and play together." Although Louise felt sorry for her son, she also knew that her son was strong-willed, and besides, this was for Prussia, wasn't it?
, so he opened his mouth and said to Christine.
Little Christine pursed her lips and followed Louise reluctantly.
William shook his head and continued to work on these documents.
Prince Henry was at his home in Rocks at this time
"Your Royal Highness, His Majesty the King has passed away, but Prussia cannot live without a king. As the elder of the royal family, I would like to ask you when will you prepare for the coronation ceremony of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince," Rocks said.
"What the Duke said is true. Prussia cannot live without its king for a day. I think a coronation ceremony will be held for the crown prince next week." Prince Henry thought for a while and said
"Your Highness, we will enter the palace shortly to inform His Highness the Crown Prince."
Prince Henry nodded and agreed.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Prussia cannot live without its king. Please be crowned and coronated in the near future to calm the people's hearts." Rocks and Prince Henry stood in front of William and said.
It was already evening, and William looked at the setting sun outside the window and painted Sanssouci Palace with a layer of golden color. William said:
"Your Majesty, I have just been buried and I feel very sad. This is really not a good time to ascend the throne."
"Your Majesty, your Majesty's death is the most significant loss for all of Prussia, but for the future of Prussia and the happiness and well-being of the Prussian people, please coronate as soon as possible to calm the people's hearts," Prince Henry requested again.
"When do you think it will be a good time to be crowned?" William asked
"We think next Monday," said Prince Henry and Rocks, looking at each other.
"Well, you start preparing now. Rocks notified the envoys from various countries who came to express condolences for His Majesty's death and asked them to stay and watch the ceremony," William said to Rocks
"Okay, Your Majesty, I will take care of these things as soon as possible, please rest assured," Rocks said
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