Mecklenburg-Strelitz was a duchy in northern
Germany, consisting of the present day district of
Mecklenburg-Strelitz and the area around
Ratzeburg. It was established in
1701, roughly on the territory of the former duchy of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. The Capital was
Neustrelitz. In
1933 it was united with the neighbouring state of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to the state of
Mecklenburg (today part of the
Bundesland Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).
The US county Mecklenburg (Charlotte, North Carolina) is named after Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Strelitz-born princess Charlotte (queen of King George III of the United Kingdom). The flower Strelitzia ("Bird of Paradise") also is in honor of her home country. Queen Luise[?] of Prussia also was a born princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.