Alfred of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was a British royal born on August 6, 1844, in London. He was the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Alfred served in the Royal Navy and held the title of Duke of Edinburgh. He was known for his contributions to naval education and his interest in science and the arts. In 1874, Alfred became the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Germany after the death of his father. He married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, and they had several children. Alfred's life was marked by his dedication to public service and his efforts to strengthen ties between Britain and Germany.