August 28

Go-Reizei (1023–1068) ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1045 at age 22. During his reign, the Fujiwara regents maintained significant political power, shaping court affairs. Despite limited direct authority, he became a patron of poetry, music, and Buddhist temples. He commissioned the renovation of key shrines and encouraged literary salons in the imperial court. His reign established cultural traditions that influenced subsequent Heian-period emperors. He passed away in 1068, leaving a legacy of artistic and religious patronage.

Born Zhu Changluo in 1582, he ascended as Emperor Taichang in August 1620. His reign lasted only one month due to his sudden death under mysterious circumstances. He attempted to address corruption in the imperial court and sought to moderate his father’s extravagance. His unexpected demise sparked rumors of poisoning and intensified factional struggles. Despite the brevity of his rule, his son’s later reign reflected some of his moderate policies. He remains a tragic figure in Ming history, remembered for his reform efforts cut short.

John Christian of Brieg (1591–1639) inherited the Duchy of Brzeg in Silesia at a young age. He navigated the challenges of the Thirty Years’ War by fostering religious coexistence in his territories. A patron of architecture and music, he commissioned new churches and court ensembles. He promoted education by supporting local schools and the Protestant university in Wrocław. His diplomatic skills preserved Brzeg’s relative autonomy amid shifting allegiances. He died in 1639, leaving a legacy of cultural enrichment and moderate governance.

George Villiers (1592–1628) rose quickly in the royal court to become a favorite of James I. He was created Duke of Buckingham in 1623 and became the most influential minister of Charles I. His political decisions, including naval expeditions and peace negotiations, were often controversial. He was admired for his charisma but criticized for perceived corruption and favoritism. A target of public resentment, he survived assassination attempts before being killed in 1628. His death marked a turning point in Stuart politics, highlighting tensions between crown and parliament.

Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1667–1721) married King Frederick IV in 1695 and became queen consort. Her reign was marked by her strict Lutheran faith and establishment of charitable institutions. She founded hospitals and schools, emphasizing care for the poor and orphaned. Despite conflicts with her husband’s favored courtiers, she maintained a respected moral authority at court. After her death, she was remembered for her compassion and dedication to social welfare. She remains a beloved figure in Danish history for her philanthropic legacy.

Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1691–1750) married Archduke Charles in 1708 and became Empress in 1711. She played a supportive role at the Habsburg court, focusing on education and ceremonial affairs. She bore the future Empress Maria Theresa, ensuring the dynasty’s succession during a critical period. A patron of music and the arts, she hosted concerts and sponsored female education initiatives. She navigated court politics with discretion, earning respect for her diplomatic tact. She died in 1750, remembered as a devoted consort and matriarch of the Habsburg lineage.

Born into the House of Welf in Brunswick-Lüneburg, Anthony Ulrich became regent for his nephew Ivan VI of Russia in 1740. He navigated the complexities of Russian court politics until Elizabeth’s coup in 1741. A cultured ruler, he translated French classics into German and supported architecture and music in his duchy. His reforms in education and administration left a lasting imprint on Brunswick. Anthony Ulrich’s engagement with Enlightenment ideas made him a distinguished figure among European nobility.

Born in Worcestershire, England, Sladen arrived in Melbourne in 1853 and entered politics soon after. He represented Western Province in the Victorian Legislative Council, advocating moderate conservatism. Appointed Premier in 1868, he led a short-lived government focused on land and education policies. Sladen also served as Chief Secretary and Treasurer, influencing fiscal administration. His legal background and measured leadership contributed to the maturation of Victorian institutions.

Born in Lincolnshire, England, Berry emigrated to Australia during the gold rush of 1853. He became editor of The Age newspaper before entering the Legislative Assembly. As Premier from 1875 to 1881, he led fierce battles with the upper house over land and tariff reforms. Berry introduced payment for members of parliament and expanded voting rights, strengthening democracy. His advocacy for rural and working-class interests left a lasting impact on Victorian politics.

Born in Saint Petersburg as the daughter of Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, Catherine embraced philanthropy. She married Duke Georg August of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and balanced court duties with social causes. A passionate supporter of hospitals and orphanages, she founded institutions for the needy. Catherine also hosted salons that attracted artists, writers, and thinkers of her era. Her legacy endures in the cultural and humanitarian projects she championed across Russia.

Born in 1837 as Prince Francis of Teck in Stuttgart. He entered Austrian military service and served as a cavalry officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army. He married Princess Maria Dorothea of Saxony, strengthening dynastic ties. He held the title Duke of Teck and managed estates under the Kingdom of Württemberg. His descendants included members of the British royal family, notably Queen Mary. He lived through political shifts in Germany and Austria before his death in 1900.

Born in 1884 in Scotland, Fraser emigrated to New Zealand and became a trade union organizer. He was elected to Parliament in 1918 as a member of the Labour Party and rose through its ranks. As Prime Minister from 1940 to 1949, he guided New Zealand’s war effort and maintained national unity. Fraser introduced social welfare measures, including state housing and family allowances, laying the groundwork for the welfare state. He played a key role at the founding of the United Nations and represented New Zealand internationally. After electoral defeat in 1949, he remained influential in politics until his death in 1950.