Alexander invited Luise and Frederick William to visit his family in St.Petersburg. The King accepted greatfully, because he thought it would be good for Luise to get away from it all for a while. On January 7, 1809 they arrived at a garden near the city gates, where they were greeted by the Tsar, the Tsarina's chamberlain and all the Grand-Dukes and Grand-Duchesses. They had a truly grand visit. Luise received presents daily from the two Tsarinas, Alexander's mother and wife. The betrothal of Alexander's sister Katharina Pavlowna to Prince George of Oldenburg was celebrated with fetes in the Winter Palace and theatrical performances at the Hermitage. Luise was utterly exhausted. One ball after another, one interesting sight after another in the cold Russian climate did not suit Luise's fragile constitution. On the third day after their return to Koenigsberg she had to go to bed. She looked wretched and pale from the combined effects of the exertions of the past weeks, the many sleepless nights and the discomfort from yet another pregnancy. In Koenigsberg, both Luise and Fritz were very discouraged. The King could not make up his mind to return to Berlin, although it would have been wiser, as his presence in the capital would have had a beneficial effect on the public. On October 4, Luise gave birth to yet another healthy boy. Her recovery was slow. It delayed what was now the greatest goal of all, the return to Berlin.
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