About: Sexuality of Frederick the Great

It is almost certain that Prussian King Frederick the Great (1712 – 1786) was primarily homosexual, and that his sexual orientation was central to his life. However, the nature of his actual relationships remains speculative. Though he had an arranged marriage, Frederick produced no children and was succeeded by his nephew. His favoured courtiers were exclusively male, and his art collection celebrated homoeroticism. Persistent rumours connecting the king with homosexual activity circulated around Europe during his lifetime, but there is no surviving definitive evidence of any sexual relationships of his, homosexual or otherwise.