World War Two and Aftermath

During the Second World War, Charles Edward keeps a very low profile. As his physical condition is much too weak for  military service, he stations his office in Berlin.  
He is of no real power during the Third Reich and is soon marginalised by the other Nazi leaders.

As Hitler’s reign came to a halt and as the Second World War ended, Charles Edward watched the advancements of American troops from his castle above Coburg, while Hitler grounded his bunker in Berlin.

Just days before his suicide, Hitler sent a telegram regarding the Duke’s well-being. His request was in vain and under the order of George S. Patton, Charles Edward was placed under house arrest because of his Nazi sympathies. He was later interrogated while being held in an internment camp.          

When faced with his tribunal he pleaded not guilty; he said the he had acted honourably and had no proof of any crimes of the regime. The tribunal found him guilty. Though exonerated of having taken part in war crime, he was judged to have been an important Nazi.

His houses and estates were confiscated and he was almost bankrupted by heavy fines. Only his failing health saved him from a jail sentence (Hitler's favorite Royal, 2007).
He had cancer, was crippled by arthritis and was blind in one eye. Exiled forever from England, Charles Edward the former Duke of Coburg died on the 6th of March, 1954.

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