Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, was born on June 2, 1818, and ruled from 1844 until his death in 1893. He was a member of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a German dynasty known for its influence in European royal families. Ernest played a significant role in the political landscape of his time, promoting modernization and economic development in his duchy. He was also the father of several notable children, including Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Victoria of Hesse, who married into other royal families. Ernest's lineage contributed to the interconnectedness of European monarchies during the 19th century.