Duke Maximilian of Leuchtenberg was a member of the German nobility, born on March 15, 1817. He was the son of Prince Eugen of Leuchtenberg and Princess Maria of Bavaria. Maximilian held the title of Duke after the elevation of his family in the early 19th century and was known for his contributions to the arts and culture in his region. He married Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia in 1841, strengthening ties between the Russian and German royal families. Maximilian's life was marked by his dedication to public service and his role in promoting education and social welfare in his duchy until his death in 1852.