from then onward, charlotte maintained that she was kept a prisoner in her apartments. she beat her servants and, if they were found to be spying on her behalf, they were dismissed by her husband. charles louis made sure not to be anywhere near charlotte, who was pitied by everyone. in accordance with his rights, he divorced charlotte but kept this a secret until after his sister sophia's wedding. as soon as these festivities were over, charles louis published the divorce documents and declared himself to be married to louise von degenfeld, though many questioned the legality of the divorce.