Read Next
Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
Prussian prince
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Quick Facts
- Born:
- Sept. 22, 1835, Krauchenweis, Prussia
- Died:
- June 8, 1905, Berlin, Ger.
- House / Dynasty:
- Hohenzollern dynasty
- Notable Family Members:
- brother Carol I
Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (born Sept. 22, 1835, Krauchenweis, Prussia—died June 8, 1905, Berlin, Ger.) was a Prussian candidate for the Spanish throne. He was a member of the Swabian line of the Hohenzollern dynasty and the brother of Carol I of Romania. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and Spain’s de facto leader, Juan Prim (1814–70), persuaded the reluctant Leopold to accept the Spanish throne, left vacant in 1868. Under French diplomatic pressure, Leopold’s candidacy was withdrawn, but Prussia refused to bow to French demands that it never be renewed. The Ems Telegram provoked the French into declaring war (see Franco-Prussian War).