This is a list of those people who were heir apparent or heir presumptive to the Kingdom of Prussia from its foundation in 1701 to the end of the monarchy in 1918. From 18 January 1871 the Crown Prince of Prussia was also heir apparent to the German Empire. Those heirs who succeeded are shown in bold.
Heirs to the Kingdom of Prussia KingHeirRelationship to king and statusBecame heir; ReasonCeased to be heir; ReasonNext in lineFriedrich ICrown Prince Friedrich WilhelmSonHeir apparent18 January 1701;foundation of the Kingdom of Prussia25 February 1713;succeededPhilipp Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1701–1707, uncleFriedrich Ludwig1707-1708, son Philipp Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt 1708-1710, uncle Friedrich Wilhelm1710–1711, sonPhilipp Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1711, uncleFriedrich Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1711–1712, first cousinFriedrich1712–1713, sonFriedrich Wilhelm ICrown Prince FriedrichSonHeir apparent25 February 1713;father succeeded31 May 1740;succeededFriedrich Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1713–1717, first cousin once removedPrince Ludwig Karl Wilhelm1717–1719, brotherFriedrich Wilhelm, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1719–1722, first cousin once removedPrince August Wilhelm1722–1740Friedrich IIPrince August WilhelmBrotherHeir presumptive31 May 1740;brother succeeded12 June 1758;diedPrince Heinrich1740–1744, brotherPrince Friedrich Wilhelm1744–1758, sonPrince Friedrich WilhelmNephewHeir presumptive12 June 1758;father died17 August 1786;succeededPrince Heinrich1758–1767, brotherPrince Heinrich1767–1770, unclePrince Friedrich Wilhelm1770–1786, sonFriedrich Wilhelm IICrown Prince Friedrich WilhelmSonHeir apparent17 August 1786;father succeeded16 November 1797;succeededPrince Ludwig Karl1786–1795, brotherPrince Friedrich Wilhelm1795–1797, sonFriedrich Wilhelm IIICrown Prince Friedrich WilhelmSonHeir apparent16 November 1797;father succeeded7 June 1840;succeededPrince Wilhelm, brotherFriedrich Wilhelm IVPrince WilhelmBrotherHeir presumptive7 June 1840;brother succeeded2 January 1861;succeededPrince Friedrich, sonWilhelm ICrown Prince FriedrichSonHeir apparent2 January 1861;father succeeded18 January 1871;became heir also to the German EmpirePrince Wilhelm, son
Heirs to the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia Heir Status Relationship to monarch Became heir Ceased to be heirDuration as heir Next in successionRelation to heir Monarch Date Reason Date Reason Crown Prince Friedrich Heir apparent Eldest son 18 January 1871 Formation of the German Empire 9 March 1888 Became emperor Prince WilhelmSon Wilhelm I Crown Prince Wilhelm Heir apparent Eldest son 9 March 1888 Father became emperor 15 June 1888 Became emperor Prince WilhelmSon Friedrich IIICrown Prince Wilhelm Heir apparent Eldest son 15 June 1888 Father became emperor 9 November 1918 Monarchy abolished Prince Eitel Friedrichl1888–1906Younger brother Wilhelm II Prince Wilhelm1906–1918Son
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