World War One

But as the First World War broke out, The English-born Duke was subjected to a great deal of hostility both in Germany, for his nationality and Britain, due to his status as Sovereign Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Despite his conflicting loyalties, the Duke had no choice but to follow his duty to the Kaiser and to his adopted homeland.  

He was posted to the Eastern front, where he faced the Russian army in Prussia and Poland. Because of his Royal Status, Charles Edward was made Colonel and Chief of the ninety-fifth infantry and a General in the Saxon Calvary. 

Though as a result of his service, he was stripped of his British titles and royal status. In Britain, the Royal Family’s surname, the unmistakably German, Saxe-Coburg Gotha, was turning their country against them. By 1917, George V felt it necessary to distance himself from his German roots and change his name to Windsor. In turn, Charles Edward, along with three other German Princes, was branded a traitor-peer by an act of parliament.  
       
In Germany, he was targeted by powerful Socialist and Worker councils. He was allowed his castles but stripped of his titles and political power.

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