What is francis duke of saxe coburg saalfeld?

Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld was born on July 15, 1750, in Gotha, Germany. He was the son of Duke Ernst Friedrich of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and Duchess Sophie Antonia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. Francis became the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1800 upon the death of his brother, Duke Ernst Friedrich IV.

Francis was known for his military achievements, having served as a colonel in the Austrian army during the Seven Years' War and as a general in the Imperial Russian Army during the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-92. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and established a museum of natural history in Coburg.

In 1777, Francis married Princess Sophie of Saxe-Hildburghausen, with whom he had nine children. Their third son, Prince Leopold, later became the first King of the Belgians and was also the husband of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom's cousin, Princess Charlotte.

Francis died on December 9, 1806, in Coburg, Germany, at the age of 56. He was succeeded by his son, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.