Salote Tupou III vs William IX of Hesse-Kassel

Salote Tupou III became Queen of Tonga on 5 April 1918, following the death of her father King George Tupou II. She was the first queen regnant of Tonga and reigned for 47 years.

Salote Tupou III oversaw the expansion of education and healthcare in Tonga. She established schools, improved public health infrastructure, and promoted literacy, significantly raising living standards in the kingdom.

During World War II, Salote Tupou III kept Tonga neutral while allowing Allied forces to use Tongan territory. She also contributed troops and resources to the Allied war effort, strengthening Tonga's relationship with Western powers.

Salote Tupou III attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London in 1953. Her open carriage ride in the rain, smiling and waving, won her widespread admiration and made her a beloved figure internationally.

William IX became Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel upon the death of his father Frederick II. He inherited a wealthy state due to the lucrative practice of hiring Hessian soldiers to foreign powers, particularly Britain during the American Revolution.

As part of the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss, William IX was elevated to the title of Elector of Hesse-Kassel, becoming Elector William I. This increased his status within the Holy Roman Empire, though the title was largely symbolic.

After the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt, Napoleon's forces occupied Hesse-Kassel. William I fled to Denmark, leaving his territories under French control. He remained in exile until after Napoleon's defeat.

Following Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Leipzig, William I returned to Hesse-Kassel and resumed his rule. He restored the old order, reversing many reforms introduced during the French occupation.